A green route to synthesize novel Ag/C antibacterial agent

A facile approach is reported for the synthesis of novel Ag/C antibacterial agent. The corn crispy is selected as the carbon substrate for supporting the Ag particles that fabricates the Ag/C composites via the high temperature carbonization process. The composites have been characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, and IR measurements. The results reveal that about 20 nm Ag nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed within the composites. The carbonization temperature could increase the size of Ag nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of Ag/C composites is investigated using the agar well diffusion method. The results show fine and stable antibacterial activity of composites against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli due to small particle size, large surface area and favorable dispersibility of Ag nanoparticles.