One-pot synthesis of CNC-Ag@AgCl with antifouling and antibacterial properties

The cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-Ag@AgCl was prepared by previously adding silver nitrate to a cellulose solution with PVP, then hydrolyzed using sulfuric acid under visible light. In this method, Ag@AgCl could be firmly attached to the CNC surface without using any reducing agent. Experimental data obtained from energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of Ag@AgCl on the surface of CNC. The antifouling performance of CNC-Ag@AgCl composites was tested by a model methyl orange-degradation experiment under visible light. The composites could almost completely degrade methyl orange in 180 min, while the composite fabricated in the solution with PVP was more stable. After three experimentation cycles, the degradation efficiency remained at 85%. Also, the composite exhibited excellent antibacterial properties in a test of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. This work provided an easy way to prepare multifunctional fillers which could be applied in the antifouling and antibacterial field.