Understanding the stability and durability of laser-generated Ag nanoparticles and effects on their antibacterial activities

Raid Baiee, Zhu Liu and Lin Li

Abstract

Ag NPs of different sizes prepared using laser ablation of an Ag solid target in pure deionised water and in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) surfactant liquid were subjected to different storage conditions for up to six months. Ag NPs with sizes less than 10 nm were more susceptible to agglomeration over time. However, the samples of Ag NPs produced and stored in the PVP solutions in the dark at 4 °C temperature presented longest stability for at least six months. The antibacterial activity of ultra-fine Ag NPs in the range of 2 to 10 nm and Ag NPs larger than 10 nm lasted at least six months against E. coli bacteria.