Synthesis of silver nanoparticles stabilised by PVP for polymeric membrane application: a comparative study

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has the potential for membrane development with antibacterial properties. However, the synthesis method and parameter are crucial factors in determining nanoparticles formation and nucleation process. This study presents the effects of precursor concentration and synthesis temperature towards AgNPs formation in two distinctive methods. The results have shown a significant variation of AgNPs-1 and AgNPs-2 synthesised with different synthesis parameters. With respect to particles size determined using particle size analyser, the best synthesis condition for AgNPs-1 was at 25 degrees C using 0.255 g AgNO3 while for AgNPs-2 was at 75 degrees C using 0.03 mol/L AgNO3. The characteristics of selected AgNPs-1 and AgNPs-2 were analysed via Uv-Vis, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and HR-TEM. The efficiency of AgNPs-1 and AgNPs-2 were compared with commercial AgNPs based on its antibacterial performances towards E. coli and S. aureus using bacteria plate count method. Remarkably, both synthesised AgNPs possessed improved bactericidal effect compared to commercial AgNPs.