Metal nanoparticles functionalized carbon nanotubes for efficient catalytic application

Abstract

Surfactant molecules were non-covalently functionalized with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to retain the remarkable properties of CNTs. Moreover, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were immobilized onto CNTs-surfactant matrixes to enhance the catalytic and biomedical utility of carbon nanotubes. The structure and morphology of the newly prepared nanohybrids were investigated by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. The catalytic efficiency of the nanohybrids was examined for Trypan blue reduction as a model reaction and the observed rate constant was calculated as 14.05 x 10(-2) min(-1). The antimicrobial activities of the nanohybrids were studied against two representative bacterial pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest zone of inhibition for those bacterial pathogens was found as 26 and 33 mm.