Silver nanoparticles have previously been reported as more effective for healing skin than traditional antimicrobial gels using silver sulfadiazine or silver nitrate. In relation, new work published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds relates to a means to produce them.
Researchers at the University of Qom, Iran, loaded silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto the surface of perlite using Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The immobilization of Ag NPs was confirmed by various means, including Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
According to TEM analysis, the average size of Ag NPs on perlite before and after the reduction reaction was in the range of 8–35 nm. Furthermore, the Ag NPs/perlite preparation was a highly active catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and Congo red (CR). It could be recovered and reused several times without losing its catalytic activity.
