In-situ Synthesis of Silver Chloride Nanoparticle-Loaded Attapulgite Composites with Efficient Antimicrobial Activity
To enhance the dispersibility and photostability of AgCl nanoparticles(NPs),AgCl NPs were firmly anchored on the surface of attapulgite(ATP)to prepare the ATP-AgCl composites.The microstructure,crystal structure,and antibacterial activity of the ATP-AgCl composites were investigated.Results demonstrate that the introducion of ATP not only avoids the agglomeration of AgCl NPs,but also decreases their particle size from 5-10 μm to 3-20 nm.Due to the small size effect of NPs,the antibacterial activity of as-prepared ATP-AgCl composites is comparable to that of pure AgCl.The antibacterial ratios against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are 99.98%and 99.88%,respectively.Additionally,the introduction of ATP also improves the photostability of AgCl NPs:the composites remains offwhite after exposure to sunshine for 24 h.