Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2011-05-15

Effective functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotube with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer carrying silver nanoparticles for better dispersability and antimicrobial activity.

E Murugan, G Vimala

Index: J. Colloid. Interface Sci. 357(2) , 354-65, (2011)

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Abstract

Two multiwalled carbon nanotube hybrids have been prepared: (a) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (APPI), viz. MWCNTs-APPI, and (b) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-deposited multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with an amphiphilic poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer (MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs). The degree of covalent functionalization of APPI in MWCNTs and deposition of AgNPs in MWCNTs-APPI were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The amount of APPI functionalized on MWCNTs determined by thermal gravimetric analysis was about 67% which enables an effective dispersability in aqueous and organic solvents without sonication and these solutions were stable for 6 months without undergoing aggregation of MWCNTs. The electronic properties of the hybrid materials were not altered drastically as verified by the Raman studies. The antimicrobial activities of MWCNTs-APPI and MWCNTs-APPI-AgNPs against three different bacteria, viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escheriachia coli illustrated excellent activity.Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.