Antibacterial and adsorptive activity of silver loaded zeolite Y - layered double hydroxide nanocomposite.

In this study, silver loaded zeolite Y (AgZ) composed of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite (AgZLDH) was prepared and used for the removal of cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic acid orange 7 (AO7) dyes. Interestingly, the AgZLDH nanocomposite possessed antibacterial properties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli). The AgZLDH nanocomposite was prepared via ion exchange with Ag+ ions in the zeolite framework, followed by co-precipitation of Al(NO3)3 and Mg(NO3)2 salts for LDH formation. The synthesized AgZLDH nanocomposite was then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). It was found that the zeolite Y was successfully loaded with Ag ions and coated with LDH without altering its native framework. Dye adsorption analysis shows the prepared nanocomposite was able to remove both types of dyes in different concentrations. For its antibacterial activity, disc diffusion results showed considerable halo-zone formation against both types of bacteria. The AgZLDH nanocomposite was further tested for its simultaneous action and exhibit promising results in the removal of both dyes as well as favourable antibacterial activity. In summary, the successful synthesis of AgZLDH nanocomposite may provide a new method and practical alternative adsorbent to treat and purify water from pollutants and harmful bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]