Synthesis of Ag/AgCl modified anhydrous basic bismuth nitrate from BiOCl and the antibacterial activity.

Abstract Novel nanocomposite of Ag/AgCl and a single phase of anhydrous basic bismuth nitrate (ABBN)-Bi 6 O 4.46 (OH) 3.54 (NO 3) 5.54 with efficient antibacterial activity was prepared from BiOCl. Microstructure was characterized as AgCl nanotubes and Ag nanoparticles mixed with Bi 6 O 4.46 (OH) 3.54 (NO 3) 5.54 nanosheets in nanometer scale. Antibacterial activity of the composite was tested by agar disc diffusion and agar dilution methods using Escherichia coli as target bacteria. The diameter of inhibition zone of Ag/AgCl/ABBN is 17.0 mm while that of bulk BBN is 8.1 mm. The MIC value of Ag/AgCl/ABBN is ascertained as 35 μg mL−1. Results prove that Ag/AgCl/ABBN nanocomposite has much higher antibacterial activity in comparison with bulk basic bismuth nitrate. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Ag/AgCl/ABBN nanocomposite is firstly prepared by a two-step method. • Superior antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite against E. coli. • Larger inhibition zone diameter of the nanocomposite than that of bulk BBN. • Bi 6 O 4.46 (OH) 3.54 (NO 3) 5.54 nanosheets are firstly formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]