Sequential repetitive chemical reduction technique to study size-property relationships of graphene attached Ag nanoparticle

• Gr–AgNPs samples are prepared by a sequential repetitive chemical reduction method.
• Reduction of single solution of precursors is repetitively performed for seven runs.
• The effect of this process in influencing the growth the nanoparticles is assessed.
• Analyses reveal the size of the nanoparticles increases in every performed run.
• Relationship between the size of the nanoparticles and application is evaluated.

The present study demonstrates a novel, systematic and application route synthesis approach to develop size-property relationship and control the growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A sequential repetitive chemical reduction technique to observe the growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) attached to rGO, was performed on a single solution of graphene oxide (GO) and silver nitrate solution (7 runs, R1–R7) in order to manipulate the growth and size of the AgNPs. The physical–chemical properties of the samples were examined by RAMAN, XPS, XRD, SEM-EDAX, and HRTEM analyses. It was confirmed that AgNPs with diameter varying from 4 nm in first run (R1) to 50 nm in seventh run (R7) can be obtained using this technique. A major correlation between particle size and activities was also observed. Antibacterial activities of the samples were carried out to investigate the disinfection performance of the samples on the Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). It was suggested that the sample obtained in the third run (R3) exhibited the highest antibacterial activity as compared to other samples, toward disinfection of bacteria due to its superior properties. This study provides a unique and novel application route to synthesize and control size of AgNPs embedded on graphene for various applications.

Schematic diagram of AgNPs growth on graphene as the run proceeds.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide