Biogenic Silver and Zinc Enhanced MWCNTs: Nano‐Decoration, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Effect

Abstract

In this study, acid‐treated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were decorated with silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), and Ag@Zn nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using plant extract for reducing and stabilizing NPs. The nanocomposites were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of functionalized MWCNTs (f‐MWCNTs) and NP‐decorated MWCNTs was visually evaluated for seven days in ethanol. The antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungi (Candida albicans) was determined using the agar well diffusion assay. Results indicated that Ag‐MWCNTs and Ag@Zn‐MWCNTs nanocomposites exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans compared to other tested microorganisms. Conversely, f‐MWCNTs and Zn‐MWCNTs showed no antimicrobial effects