Facile synthesis, microstructure, photo-catalytic activity, and anti-bacterial property of the novel Ag@gelatin–silica hybrid nanofiber membranes

In this study, novel fibrous membranes made of Ag@gelatin–silica hybrid nanofibers were synthesized from gelatin, 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, and Ag@gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) via a combined method of in situ reduction, sol–gel route, and electrospinning method. Their microstructure, photo-catalytic activity, and anti-bacterial property were evaluated. SEM and TEM observations showed that they were constructed by numerous Ag@gelatin–silica hybrid nanofibers whose surfaces were rough and constructed by numerous Ag@gelatin NPs with the diameter of 10–30 nm. XRD patterns showed that they presented some typical diffractive peak at 39°, 45°, 65°, and 78°, all of which were assigned to Ag NPs. After incubation with the solution of 4-NP and NaBH₄, they presented strong photo-catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and their photo-catalytic activity could be well adjusted through adjustment of the content of Ag in the Ag@gelatin–silica hybrid nanofibers. Moreover, they could be easily recycled with a high recovery efficiency. In addition, when exposed to Escherichia coli (E. coli), they showed strong anti-bacterial property and highly inhibited the growth of E. coli. These results indicated that the present hybrid nanofiber membranes are applicable to the multi-functional materials for removal of both organic pollutants and microbial contaminants in the wastewater.