Preparation and properties of silver nanopowders and composites based on a radiation-chemical method

Silver nanopowders with specific surface area up to 39.1 cm2/g, as well as alumina powders coated with silver consisting of nanoparticles with sizes of 50 and 80 nm, were produced by a radiation-chemical method. The influence of the number of OH groups of polyhydric alcohols on the specific surface area of obtained silver nanopowders is shown in the first time. The coating area of the oxide base can be varied from 2-3%–40%. Antibacterial properties of the composite have been studied on wine yeast, as well as E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The results of the study of photocatalytic properties of the composite showed its potential. •Silver nanopowders with specific surface area up to 39.1 cm2/g was produced by a radiation-chemical method.•Alumina powders coated with nanosilver was produced by a radiation-chemical method.•The silver coating area of the oxide base can be varied from 2-3%–40%.•Antibacterial ability of composite was shown.•Photocatalytic properties of composite showed the prospects of its using as a photocatalyst.