Physico–chemical and mechanical properties and antibacterial activity of silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene nanocomposites obtained by electrochemical method

Silver/poly(vinyl alcohol) and silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene nanocomposites in different forms (colloid dispersion, thin films and hydrogel discs) were synthesized by electrochemical reduction of Ag+ ions at constant current density. CV, Raman, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS analyses were used to characterize the interactions between silver nanoparticles, PVA molecules, and graphene. Ag/PVA/Gr nanocomposites had better mechanical and thermal properties and higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli than Ag/PVA nanocomposites. Slow silver release, as well as a high remaining silver content (76%) after 28 days in simulated body fluid confirmed that both Ag/PVA and Ag/PVA/Gr nanocomposites are capable of maintaining sterility over time.