Magnetically Recoverable and Reusable Antimicrobial Nanocomposite Based on Activated Carbon, Magnetite Nanoparticles, and Silver Nanoparticles for Water Disinfection

Abstract

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of innovative, low-cost and highly efficient water disinfection technologies that may replace or enhance the conventional methods. In this study, we introduce a novel procedure for preparing a bifunctional activated carbon nanocomposite in which nanoscale-sized magnetic magnetite and antimicrobial silver nanoparticles are incorporated (MACAg). The antimicrobial efficacy of the nanocomposite was tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli). MACAg (0.5 g, 0.04% Ag) was found to remove and kill 10 6 -10 7 CFU (colony-forming units) in 30 min via a shaking test and the removing and killing rate of the nanocomposites increased with increasing silver content and decreased with increasing CFU. The inhibition zone tests revealed, among the relevant components, only Ag nanoparticles and Ag + ions showed antimicrobial activities. The MACAg was easily recoverable from treated water due to its magnetic properties and was able to remove and kill 10 6 CFU after multiple-repeated use. The MACAg nanocomposite also demonstrated its feasibility and applicability for treating a surface water containing 10 5 CFU. Combining low cost due to easy synthesis, recoverability, and reusability with high antimicrobial efficiency, MACAg may provide a promising water disinfection technology that will find wide applications.

Green Synthesis of an Activated Carbon-Supported Ag and ZnO Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation and Its Antibacterial Activities

“…Activated carbon in its bare form supports the growth of bacteria due to its biocompatibility. Activated carbon with antibacterial activity can be produced by impregnation of silver nanoparticles [2][3][4][5][6], or metallic oxides such as ZnO [7]. Furthermore, silver and ZnO nanoparticles supported on activated carbon have gained much attention for adsorption [6,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16], and catalytic applications [7,[17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

Activated carbon impregnation with ag and cu composed nanoparticles for escherichia coli contaminated water treatment

“…According to Furlan et al, the activated carbon impregnated with metallic nanoparticles is reusable without losing its efficiency. Recoverability and reusability are extremely desirable, especially in large‐scale applications since they greatly reduce material cost.…”

Magnetite-Activated Carbon Composite to Reduce Pollutant: Review

“…In addition, the activated carbon-nanoparticle magnetite composite can also be used as an antimicrobial when combined with other species such as Ag (Furlan et al, 2017) so it is necessary to be installed in central air conditioning. Based on this explanation, it is known that the polyethylene-magnetite nanoparticle composite is very potential to be researched and developed.…”