Graphene sponge decorated with copper nanoparticles as a novel bactericidal filter for inactivation of Escherichia coli. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Can-Hui; Gong, Ji-Lai; Zeng, Guang-Ming; Zhang, Peng; Song, Biao; Zhang, Xue-Gang; Liu, Hong-Yu; Huan, Shuang-Yan
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 184(2017)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 357
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Graphene sponge -- Copper nanoparticles -- Bactericidal filter -- Membrane damage -- Oxidative stress; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.05.118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Nanotechnology has great potential in water purification. However, the limitations such as aggregation and toxicity of nanomaterials have blocked their practical application. In this work, a novel copper nanoparticles-decorated graphene sponge (Cu-GS) was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. Cu-GS consisting of three-dimensional (3D) porous graphene network and well-dispersed Cu nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial efficiency against Esherichia coli when used as a bactericidal filter. The morphological changes determined by scanning electron microscope and fluorescence images measured by flow cytometry confirmed the involvement of membrane damage induced by Cu-GS in their antibacterial process. The oxidative ability of Cu-GS and intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also determined to elucidate the possible antibacterial mechanism of Cu-GS. Moreover, the concentration of released copper ions from Cu-GS was far below the drinking water standard, and the copper ions also have an effect on the antibacterial activity of Cu-GS. Results suggested that Cu-GS as a novel bactericidal filter possessed a potential application of water disinfection. Highlights: Cu-GS consisting of 3D porous graphene and well-dispersed Cu NPs was prepared. Cu-GS as a novel bactericidal filter exhibited high antibacterial activity. Cu-GS leading to morphological changes of bacterial cells. Increased intracellular ROS has been induced by Cu-GS composite. Released copper ions from Cu-GS were far below the US-EPA drinking water standard.