Activated carbon fiber-nano AgP fabrication and their antibacterial property

The activated carbon fiber(ACF)was modified firstly by soaked method, then nano Ag particles-loaded ACF (ACF-nano AgP)was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis method with sugar as the reducer and torpent. Then ACF-nano AgP was used for the study of sterilization for drinking water. The Surface properties, Zeta potential, EDS and XRD tests show that the different amount and morphology of nano AgP is loaded on the different modified ACF. The modified ACF by soaking with KMnO4(0.4 mol L-1), NH3·H2O(3 mol L-1) and HNO3(65%-85%) respectively for 24 h show a relatively better nano AgP loading behavior. These three kinds of modified ACF-nano AgP present good antimicrobial performance for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). And 100% of sterilizing rate for drinking water presents by using ACF-nano AgP modified with HNO3 within 2 h. When ACF-nano AgP modified by HNO3 and NH3·H2O as the electrode, more than 97% of sterilizing rate for drinking water is achieved only in 10 min. With the reutilization of ACF-nano AgP, microbial residues adhere to the surface of electrode porosity gradually, resulting in a reduction of sterilization efficiency. A small amount of leaked Ag can be completely recovered to the ACF-nano AgP by everse the connection of the battery power terminals. This method can effectively restrain the loss of nano AgP to prevent the potential toxicity and ensure the safety of the drinking water. © 2017, Chinese Society for Composite Materials. All right reserved.