Solvothermal synthesis, crystal structure, multifunctioning characterizations and anti-microbial activity assessment of Ag doped h-BN through silver diethyldithiocarbamate

In this study, the Ag-DDC complex was initially made, and then stable Ag doped h-BN nanohybrid powder was successfully synthesized by eco-friendly solvothermal conditions at a low temperature 100 °C and relatively high temperature (220 °C) for the first time. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the Ag NPs peak/phase and pure crystal phase/structure of Ag doped h-BN sample prepared at 100 °C. The newly identified distinctive peaks for Ag NPs in the Ag doped h-BN covered with Ag NPs. Transmission electron microscopy detects the Ag covering, Ag NPs size of ∼7 nm, lattice framework and spacing, and SAED pattern. SEM analyses investigated the morphology and particle sizes of Ag doped h-BN nanohybrids before and after pathogens treatments. EDS spectra and quantitative data explicitly confirmed the presence of Ag, B, and N atoms. Moreover, EDS mappings of all elements reveal the almost homogeneous distribution for the nanopowder fabricated at 100 °C. Raman spectra showed the E _{2 - g} vibration mode for the main peak of h-BN which is a sign of superior crystalline structure of pure h-BN and Ag doped h-BN nanopowder. Local architecture and optical characteristics of prepared materials were investigated using Raman, Fourier transform infrared and UV-Vis. data, respectively. All the samples revealed mass loss up to 800 °C. The moderate piezoelectric constant, d ₃₃ = 136 pC/N and remnant, P _r = 86 pC/NCm ² attained at 30 °C for the energy storage. Moreover, the Ag complex sample exhibited weak paramagnetic behavior, but other materials revealed a high diamagnetic nature due to the insulating character and high band gap values. XPS spectra produced the corresponding peaks of Ag, B, and N elements. Ag doped h-BN nanopowder exhibited moderate anti-microbial activity, especially in E. coli and B. cereus pathogens.