Preparation of a Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite using a fluidized bed microwave plasma reactor, and its hydrodesulphurization and Escherichia coli bactericidal activities

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles supported by silica–alumina is presented. The innovative combination of microwave-plasma and fluidized bed technologies are employed to decompose and vaporize silver precursors, such as silver oxide or silver nitrate. The results show that silver vapors condense with a homogeneous distribution of nanosize particles over the support. These particles range from 3 to 50 nm in diameter, as measured using electron microscopy. They are in a non-oxidized state, as revealed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The material shows attractive physical and chemical properties due to the excellent dispersion of metallic particles. The nano-Ag/SiO2–Al2O3 metal-ceramic composite can specifically be used as either a catalyst because it is active in the hydrodesulphurization of dibenzothiophene or as an antibacterial sand-filter due to its bactericidal effect on E. coli.

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► We implemented a new method to produce supported metallic nanoparticles.
► The method is the merge of microwave-plasma and fluidized-bed technologies.
► The method was used to produce silver nanoparticles on silica–alumina substrate.
► The composite material shows activity in hydrodesulphurization of dibenzothiophene.
► The material is a promising bioinhibitor for E. coli.