Synthesis and characterization of silver/diatomite nanocomposite by electron beam irradiation

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with diameter about 9 nm were deposited on diatomite by irradiation under electron beam of diatomite suspension containing 10 mM AgNO3 in 1% chitosan solution, at the dose of 20.2 kGy. The AgNPs/diatomite nanocomposite was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM image and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs/diatomite against E. coli and S. aureus was evaluated by reduction of bacterial colonies on spread plates and inhibition zone diameter on diffusion disks.