Ag Particles-Filled Cellulose Hybrids: Microwave-Assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity

This work has aimed at exploring the synthesis (relying on a cellulose solution as reducing agent), growth mechanism, and antimicrobial properties of Ag particles-filled cellulose hybrids. A simple microwave-assisted method was applied for the preparation of Ag particles-filled cellulose hybrids using AgNO3, hydrated AlCl3, cellulose solution, and ethylene glycol (EG) as reactants. The cellulose hybrids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ifluences of the volume ratio of EG to cellulose solution and of reaction temperatures on the formation of the cellulose hybrids were investigated in detail. Results showed that the cellulose solution used as reducing agent played a vital role in the reduction process of Ag+ ions to Ag particles. On the basis of experimental results, a possible formation mechanism of the cellulose hybrids was proposed. The antimicrobial activity of the as-synthesized hybrids was investigated against both Staphyloccus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia colt (E. coil). The results suggest that the hybrids can be used as effective growth inhibitors against microorganisms and are a promising material for applications in functional food packaging field.