Synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@C@Ag nanocomposites and their antibacterial performance

► To enhance the efficiency of antibacterial of Ag nanoparticles and recycle the residual Ag nanoparticles in the system, we synthesized Fe3O4@C@Ag and Fe3O4@Ag nanocomposites. ► For the role of intermediate carbon layer, antibacterial properties of Fe3O4@C@Ag is better than Fe3O4@Ag. ► The Fe3O4@C@Ag nanocomposites will have potential uses in many fields as catalysts, absorbents, and bifunctional magnetic-optical materials.