Facile Electrochemical Preparation of Hydrophobic Antibacterial Fabrics Using Reduced Graphene Oxide/Silver Nanoparticles

A novel facile electrochemical method was developed for in situ coating of fabrics with reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles. The procedure consisted of three steps: spray coating of graphene oxide on the fabric, electrochemical reduction of the graphene oxide layer, and electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles on the fabrics. All the steps were performed at room temperature without using a toxic reducing agent. The fabrics coated with reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 148.0 degrees +/- 1.1) and strong antibacterial activity against gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria (reduction rate >99.99 %). The durability of the modified fabrics was investigated by a washing experiment. Based on the results of this test, the reduction rate of the fabric did not decrease after 60 washing times. The results of the silver ion release test revealed a slow leaching rate from the fabric which confirms the long-term antibacterial activity of the fabrics.