It has been demonstrated that Ag-TiO 2 nanocomposite coatings with excellent antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility have the potential to reduce infection problems. However, the mechanism of the synergistic effect of Ag-TiO 2 coatings on antibacterial efficiency is still not well understood. In this study, five types of Ag-TiO 2 nanocomposited coatings with different TiO 2 contents were prepared on a titanium substratum. Leaching tests indicated that the incorporation of TiO 2 nanoparticles into an Ag matrix significantly promoted Ag ion release. Surface energy measurements showed that the addition of TiO 2 nanoparticles also significantly increased the electron donor surface energy of the coatings. Bacterial adhesion assays with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated that the number of adhered bacteria decreased with increasing electron donor surface energy. The increased Ag ion release rate and the increased electron donor surface energy contributed to an enhanced antibacterial efficiency of the coatings.

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Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) bearing oxygen-containing functional groups and inhomogeneous nanopores are successfully prepared by excimer UV radiation. The CNFs demonstrate potential for use as an anodic material in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Their improved electrochemical performances are attributed to the chemically bonded solid-electrolyte interface films on the CNF surface. This approach is also applicable to other carbonaceous electrode materials.

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