Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Deposited on Different Carriers

Materials of dirrefent porous structure (gamma-alumina, birch coal, and natural zeolite) were utilized as carriers for silver nanoparticles. Ag-nanoparticles were synthesized on their surface using the “green” reduction of silver nitrate with glucose. Samples were investigated by using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, XRF, and TEM. The size distribution of silver nanoparticles is stated to depend significantly on the porous structure of the carrier. The smallest species of 5–10 nm have been obtained on the micro-mesoporous zeolite sample; particles on the mesoporous alumina are of medium size (10–20 nm with some bigger); and the biggest species are located on the external surface of the microporous coal sample (10–30 nm with some aglomerates). A total viable count of lake water was determined to compare the antibacterial properties of the samples. The lowest activity demonstrates an Ag-coal sample. The best performance of Ag-zeolite sample can be caused by the optimal size of silver particles as well as by the interaction of silver with cations or acid sites in zeolite.