Antibacterial tourmaline nanoparticles/polyurethane hybrid mat decorated with silver nanoparticles prepared by electrospinning and UV photoreduction

In this study, tourmaline (TM) nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated in a polyurethane (PU) matrix by electrospinning and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in the form of wire-like structure were further decorated on the TM/PU nanofibrous mat by photoreduction under ultraviolet light irradiation. The incorporation of TM NPs has increased the conductivity of the solution, thus forming thinner fiber diameters compared to neat PU, but with improved tensile strength. Wire-like, agglomerated Ag NPs were decorated on the TM/PU matrix, and exhibited high bactericidal activity depending on the Ag content. The present antibacterial Ag/TM/PU hybrid mat has potential application in water treatment.

► Tourmaline (TM)/PU electrospun nanofibers were fabricated and decorated with Ag NPs.
► The Ag NPs were successfully decorated by UV photoreduction of AgNO3 to form Ag NPs.
► Wire-like structure of Ag NPs were observed on the surface of TM/PU nanofibers.
► The incorporation of TM NPs increased the mechanical properties of the composite mat.
► The antibacterial activity of TM/PU mat was improved with the decoration of Ag NPs.