Synthesis of silver nanoparticles on wool fabric in supercritical carbon dioxide

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized on wool fabric using polyol as the reducing agent in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2). The silver nanoparticle coated wool fabric was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. The antistatic property, catalytic activity and color characteristics of the silver coated wool fabric were evaluated. Adhesive strength between silver nanoparticles and wool fabric was investigated. The results indicate that the wool fabric is evenly covered with silver nanoparticles in sc-CO2. In addition, compared with the coating on wool fabric via a conventional process, the silver nanoparticles are more strongly adhered on the wool fabric when being processed in sc-CO2. Silver nanoparticles on coated wool fabric prepared in sc-CO2 shows excellent catalytic activity, anti-static electricity as well as antibacterial properties.