Solid-State Precipitation of Silver Nanoparticles Nucleated during Al Anodizing: Mechanism and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

This study presents an innovative approach to creating antibacterial aluminum surfaces by combining the antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with the nanoarchitecture of anodized aluminum oxide in one step. An Al-Ag alloy containing 10 wt % Ag was synthesized and anodized in 0.3 M oxalic acid. Ag NPs precipitated in the solid state during anodization, resulting in a porous nanocomposite structure. Comprehensive characterization using SEM, TEM, and EDS revealed a 43 μm thick oxide layer with uniformly distributed nanopores of approximately 100 nm in diameter. Ag NPs with diameters ranging from 2 to 14 nm precipitated dispersed on the surface, inside pores, and within the Al2O3 matrix. Antibacterial properties were evaluated against Escherichia coli. The anodized Al-Ag surface demonstrated robust antibacterial activity after short incubation times (up to 1 × 108 CFU/ml after 3 h). The enhanced antibacterial properties are attributed to the optimal size and distribution of Ag NPs and the potential physical bactericidal effect of the nanoporous structure. This strategy for the precipitation of Ag NPs in the solid state could be used to fabricate high-touch surfaces in hospitals.