Effective water disinfection using silver nanoparticle containing silica beads

► In this study, we report an effective water disinfection method using Ag-NPBs. ► Filters can inactivate. ► 99% of the E. coli with a contact time of several seconds. ► Ag-NPBs have an antibacterial capacity of 4.5 L/g. ► Ag-NPBs with size 0.5-1 mm can be easily integrated into various filtration systems.