LAUSR

Abstract A facile method to synthesize Ag/AgCl nanoparticles using garlic extracts is described. The determination of the photocatalytic performance of these particles for the disinfection of Escherichia coli was investigated. Microscopic and spectroscopic measurements confirmed an average Ag/AgCl particle size of about 250 nm and crystalline size of about 17 nm. Evaluation of disinfectant properties confirmed that the antibacterial signature of Ag, combined with the antioxidant characteristics of garlic, could substantially reduce E. coli populations. These nanoparticles provide an economical and efficient approach to microbial decontamination because of a simplistic synthesis and the ability to perform well under visible light at room temperature or under sunlight.