Synthesis and characterization of silver/diatomite nanocomposite by electron beam irradiation

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with diameter about 9nm were deposited on diatomite by irradiation under electron beam of diatomite suspension containing 10mM AgNO3 in 1% chitosan solution, at the dose of 20.2kGy. The AgNPs/diatomite nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM image and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs/diatomite against E. coli and S. aureus was evaluated by reduction of bacterial colonies on spread plates and inhibition zone diameter on diffusion disks. •AgNPs/DA was synthesized in situ by EB irradiation of Ag+/chitosan/DA suspension.•The AgNPs/DA was characterized by TEM image, UV–Vis spectra and EDX analysis.•The AgNPs/DA inhibited remarkably the growth of E. coli and S. aureus.