Green and low-temperature synthesis of homogeneously alloyed AgCu nanoparticles supported on SiO2 for antibacterial and antifouling activities

AgCu alloy is attractive for various bio-applications; however, producing it at favorable temperatures remains challenging. This study introduces a green and cost-effective method using polyols for synthesizing homogeneously alloyed AgCu nanoparticles (NPs) supported on silica (AgCu-SiO2 nanocomposite) at low temperatures. Optimizing synthesis factors is discussed in detail. Through characterizations, the stable nanocomposite, in which homogeneously alloyed AgCu NPs were formed with an average size of 95.7 nm and uniformly attached to silica particles, can be obtained at 125 °C after a 45-min process. The excellent antibacterial activity of AgCu-SiO2 is evaluated (against Gram (-) Escherichia coli and Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus bacteria) and compared with that of monometallic Ag-SiO2 and Cu-SiO2 nanocomposites. Besides, the antifouling application of AgCu-SiO2 used as paint is also demonstrated, revealing its protecting ability against marine environment corrosion within 180 days better than commercial paints. Overall, our homogeneously alloyed AgCu NPs supported on silica are a promising candidate for developing efficient and environmentally friendly antifouling agents due to the facile synthesis method, good antibacterial properties, and effective antifouling performance. [Display omitted] •Homogeneously alloyed AgCu NPs were synthesized at low temperatures in air.•AgCu NPs were uniformly immobilized on the silica surface.•Antibacterial and antifouling properties of AgCu-SiO2 were studied.•Our AgCu-SiO2-based paint showed excellent antifouling activity.