Antibacterial action of silver-doped activated carbon prepared by vacuum impregnation

► The Silver-containing activated carbon (Ag/AC) exhibits control release of silver and long-term high antibacterial action. ► The inhibition of growth to antibacterial activity because of the higher silver content and smaller size of the silver particles. ► The Ag/AC composites showed a lower release rate of silver because a strong interaction between the silver particles and carbon. ► It shows promise for purification of drinking water.