Facile and controlled production of silver borate nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanosized silver (Ag) borate particles were synthesized under facile and controlled conditions for the antibacterial ceramic applications. Obtained powder materials were characterized comprehensively for the detection of crystallinity, particle size, morphology and surface characteristics. Since obtained borate particles must be optimized by comparing their size, shape and composition, a statistical method (Taguchi Method) was used. Taguchi method allowed the control and deep insight on the variables namely temperature, reaction time, mol ratio and stirring speed. Since obtained nanoparticles can be easily modified and dispersed in ceramic matrixes, formation parameters for the best antibacterial glaze composition were defined. Structural analysis and crystallinity investigation with x-ray diffraction showed that temperature has a huge impact on the formation of nanoparticles as diffraction patterns revealed. Scanning Electron Microscopy unveiled that morphology of the nanoparticles are relatively spherical and EDX revealed that there is no other impurities. Synthesized nanoparticles were utilized for the 1 x 1 cm ceramic samples for antibacterial applications. Results showed that gram positive and gram negative bacterias are deactivated as tests revealed and reported.