Activated carbon fiber-nano Ag_P fabrication and their antibacterial property

The activated carbon fiber(ACF)was modified firstly by soaked method, then nano Ag particles-loaded ACF (ACF-nano Ag_P)was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis method with sugar as the reducer and torpent. Then ACF-nano Ag_P was used for the study of sterilization for drinking water. The Surface properties, Zeta potential, EDS and XRD tests show that the different amount and morphology of nano Ag_P is loaded on the different modified ACF. The modified ACF by soaking with KMnO₄(0.4 mol L^-1), NH₃·H₂O(3 mol L^-1) and HNO₃(65%-85%) respectively for 24 h show a relatively better nano Ag_P loading behavior. These three kinds of modified ACF-nano Ag_P present good antimicrobial performance for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). And 100% of sterilizing rate for drinking water presents by using ACF-nano Ag_P modified with HNO₃ within 2 h. When ACF-nano Ag_P modified by HNO₃ and NH₃·H₂O as the electrode, more than 97% of sterilizing rate for drinking water is achieved only in 10 min. With the reutilization of ACF-nano Ag_P, microbial residues adhere to the surface of electrode porosity gradually, resulting in a reduction of sterilization efficiency. A small amount of leaked Ag can be completely recovered to the ACF-nano Ag_P by everse the connection of the battery power terminals. This method can effectively restrain the loss of nano Ag_P to prevent the potential toxicity and ensure the safety of the drinking water.