Structural and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Silver–Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Chemical Reduction for Low-Temperature Sintering

 

Abstract

Bimetallic nanoparticles represent a promising class of inorganic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, offering enhanced effectiveness and reduced cytotoxicity. This study investigates the structural characteristics and antimicrobial activity of silver-copper (Ag–Cu) nanoparticles synthesized via a chemical reduction method, employing consistent capping and stabilizing agents while varying metal precursor concentrations. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic structure of the Ag–Cu nanoparticles. Several analytical models—including Debye–Scherrer method, modified Scherrer, Williamson–Hall plot, Halder–Wagner method, and size-strain plot—were used to estimate physical parameters such as crystallite size and lattice strain. Nanoparticles with smaller crystallite sizes demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial performance. These findings suggest that the improved antimicrobial activity of Ag–Cu nanoparticles is primarily influenced by their crystallite size and chemical composition.

 

Link: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/slct.202502980