Microwave-assisted growth of Ag nanoparticles on Ti3CNTx MXene for antibacterial food packaging

Abstract

MXenes, particularly titanium-based carbides, have been extensively studied, while other compositions remain relatively unexplored. Ti₃CNT_x (carbonitrides) exhibit unique catalytic, optical, and electronic properties, yet their bioactivity is under-investigated. This study utilizes a microwave-assisted method to selectively etch aluminum from the Ti₃AlCN MAX phase, producing multi-layered (ML) Ti₃CNT_x. In situ silver (Ag) nanoparticles are grown on these layers, forming Ag/Ti₃CNT_x MXene nanocomposites. Unlike conventional approaches using prolonged 48% HF treatments (24 h), this work employs a more efficient, safer, and time-effective method with 6 M HCl for just 4 hours. The antimicrobial potential of ML Ti₃CNT_x and Ag/Ti₃CNT_x is evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) via bacterial growth curve analysis, revealing a 20% enhancement in antibacterial efficacy with Ag/Ti₃CNT_x. When incorporated into food packaging materials such as paper, these nanocomposites exhibit strong potential for biomedical and food safety applications. However, thorough market analyses and material safety evaluations are essential before commercial deployment.