Sonochemical synthesis of inorganic cryogel Ag2Mo3O10@Ag/AgO: structural characterization, antibacterial activity, and dye adsorption properties

Abstract

An additive-free ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of a multi-layered Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀@Ag/AgO cryogel (SMSSO) nanocomposite has been developed, and a possible formation mechanism of multi-layered SMSSO was proposed based on characterization results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The FE-SEM images demonstrated the formation process of the multi-layered SMSSO cryogel over time under sonication, starting with the growth of Ag₂Mo₃O₁₀ nanowires, and the formation of spherical nuclei which turn into an octahedron in the presence of excess silver ions. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized cryogel and its adsorption behavior for hazardous pollutant removal were explored. The results revealed that SMSSO exhibits excellent adsorption properties, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 277.77 mg g⁻¹ and removal of 99/95% for 150 mg L⁻¹ methylene blue (MB) by 0.005 g adsorbent doses at 60 °C and pH 9. It was also confirmed that the synthesized cryogels have good antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The selective adsorption capability of the cryogel toward cationic dye molecules and antibacterial activity makes it a competent candidate for water purification.