Three-dimensional cellulose based silver-functionalized ZnO nanocomposite with controlled geometry: Synthesis,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Cellulose is a sustainable and abundant biopolymer with potential for functionalization.
• Developing advanced nanocomposites with antimicrobial and catalytic properties is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green and scalable method for synthesizing Ag-functionalized ZnO nanocomposite (AZC) films on a cellulose substrate.
• To investigate the catalytic and antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized AZC films.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized ZnO embedded cellulose (ZC) nanocomposite via a biomimetic approach.
• Deposited Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto ZC using UV irradiation to form AZC films.
• Evaluated catalytic activity by comparing AZC and ZC samples.
• Assessed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.

Main Results:

• AZC films exhibited enhanced stability due to the cellulose substrate's porous structure and hydroxyl groups.
• Catalytic activity of AZC films was 20 times higher than ZC samples, attributed to Schottky barriers at Ag-ZnO interfaces.
• AZC films demonstrated complete inhibition of both S. aureus and E. coli growth.

Conclusions:

• A facile and eco-friendly strategy was established for producing multifunctional cellulose-based nanocomposite films.
• The AZC films show significant potential for applications requiring antimicrobial and catalytic properties.
• This approach paves the way for novel cellulose materials in diverse niche applications.