Polyelectrolyte-assisted one-step hydrothermal synthesis of Ag-reduced graphene oxide composite and its antibacterial properties

We demonstrate an effective one-pot hydrothermal route for the synthesis of Poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-protected reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets-silver (Ag) nanocomposite in the absence of any seeds and surfactants. In this method, PDDA, an ordinary and water-soluble polyelectrolyte, acts as both a reducing and a stabilizing agent. More importantly, the incorporation of PDDA as a “glue” molecule successfully turns RGO into general platforms for in situ growth of Ag. Small Ag nanoparticles with average height of 4 nm are distributed on the surface of RGO sheets. It is also found that the antibacterial activity of Ag nanoparticles is retained in the composite, suggesting that it can be used as RGO-based biomaterial.

► Polyelectrolyte-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Ag–RGO composite was achieved.
► Polyelectrolyte acts as both a reducing and a stabilizing agent.
► The reduction of graphene oxide and synthesizing of Ag–RGO was simultaneous.
► The antibacterial activity of Ag nanoparticles is retained in the composite.