In a latest article revealed in Scientific Studies, researchers launched a novel composite materials, combining laser-induced graphene (LIG) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized via an environmentally pleasant technique. The research evaluates the composite’s electrochemical efficiency as a supercapacitor electrode and its antifungal properties towards pathogenic Candida species.
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Background
LIG has a excessive floor space, porosity, and electrical conductivity, making it appropriate for supercapacitor purposes. The synthesis of LIG includes laser ablation of polyimide substrates, which transforms the fabric right into a porous graphene construction. Including silver nanoparticles enhances {the electrical} conductivity and introduces antimicrobial properties to the composite.
The silver nanoparticles have been synthesized utilizing a technique involving the discount of silver nitrate with plant extracts from Swietenia macrophylla bark. This strategy gives a sustainable technique for nanoparticle synthesis and ensures that the ensuing materials is non-toxic and environmentally pleasant.
The Present Research
LIG was synthesized by ablating a polyimide substrate with a CO2 laser engraver, making a porous graphene construction. The laser parameters have been adjusted to make sure a uniform and constant LIG floor.
For the synthesis of AgNPs, Swietenia macrophylla bark extract was used as a lowering agent. The bark was dried, powdered, combined with deionized water, and stirred for 48 hours at 180 rpm and 32 °C. The combination was centrifuged to acquire the supernatant, which was mixed with a 2 mM AgNO3 resolution in a 1:2 ratio and incubated for 48 hours to advertise nanoparticle formation.
The LIG-AgNP composite was ready utilizing two strategies: drop-coating and screen-printing. For drop-coating, the synthesized AgNPs have been dispersed in ethanol and utilized to the LIG floor, adopted by drying at 80 °C. Within the screen-printing technique, business Ag ink was combined with a solvent and printed onto the LIG utilizing a mesh display screen.
Electrochemical characterization included measuring sheet resistance and conductivity utilizing a four-probe technique. The electrochemical efficiency of the supercapacitors was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge assessments to find out particular capacitance and power density. Antifungal exercise towards Candida species was assessed utilizing inhibition assays, with effectiveness measured by the zone of inhibition in comparison with management samples.
Outcomes and Dialogue
The research confirmed that the LIG-AgNP composite had improved electrical conductivity in comparison with LIG alone. The drop-coated electrode (E1) had a sheet resistance of 37.10 Ω and a conductivity of 12.2 S cm-1, whereas the screen-printed electrode (E2) exhibited higher efficiency with a sheet resistance of 28.25 Ω and a conductivity of 16.04 S cm-1.
In distinction, the commercially accessible Ag ink screen-printed electrode (E3) demonstrated a sheet resistance of three.00 Ω and a excessive conductivity of 151.09 S cm-1. These outcomes point out that the tactic of AgNP software considerably impacts {the electrical} properties of the composite.
The electrochemical efficiency of the supercapacitors was evaluated via particular capacitance and power density measurements. The screen-printed composite confirmed a selected capacitance of 118 mF cm–² and an power density of two.42 mWh cm–², whereas the drop-coated composite had a decrease particular capacitance of 38 mF cm–² and an power density of 0.05 mWh cm–². These outcomes point out that the screen-printing technique enhances each {the electrical} properties and total efficiency of the supercapacitor.
The antifungal exercise of the LIG-AgNP composites was additionally examined towards Candida species. The screen-printed electrode successfully inhibited the expansion of pathogenic fungi, demonstrating important antifungal properties. This twin performance—as an environment friendly power storage gadget and an antimicrobial agent—underscores the potential of the composite for purposes in versatile electronics and biomedical applied sciences.
Conclusion
This research developed an LIG-AgNP composite with enhanced electrical conductivity and antifungal properties. The environmentally pleasant synthesis of AgNPs utilizing plant extracts helps the sustainability of the fabric but additionally enhances its applicability in varied fields.
The outcomes present that the AgNP software technique considerably impacts the composite’s electrical efficiency, with screen-printing yielding higher outcomes than drop-coating. Moreover, the demonstrated antifungal exercise towards Candida species suggests potential purposes in healthcare.
The LIG-AgNP composite contributes to progress in sustainable power storage options and antimicrobial supplies, offering a foundation for additional analysis and sensible purposes in these areas.
Journal Reference
Prakash A., et al. (2024). Extremely conducting Laser-Induced Graphene-Ag nanoparticle composite as an efficient supercapacitor electrode with anti-fungal properties. Scientific Studies. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79382-3, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79382-3
