Solid polymer electrolyte and antimicrobial performance of Polyvinyl alcohol/Silver nanoparticles composite film

A nanocomposite based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is developed using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) prepared by the chemical reduction method. The nanocomposite is analyzed by X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. XRD analysis confirms the purity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles with the average crystallite size of 15 nm. It also shows the presence of nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. The interaction of silver nanoparticles with the polymer matrix is demonstrated by the FTIR spectrum. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and UV–Visible spectroscopy confirm the formation of silver nanoparticles with spherical morphology and surface Plasmon resonance at 424 nm. Further, nanocomposite as solid polymer electrolyte and antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite are illustrated. The addition of nanoparticles increases the electrical conductivity (1.7866 × 10-6 Scm−1) of the PVA silver nanocomposite film that is measured from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy through Cole-Cole plots. The PVA/Silver nanoparticles composite films show a high zone of inhibition for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria than pure PVA films. The electrochemical performance shows the ability to use as a solid polymer electrolyte in electrochemical devices. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Silver nanoparticles composite films with high anti-bacterial activity can be used for wound dressings and active food packaging.