Preparation of electrospun carbon nanofibers (eCNF) modified with metal compounds with antibacterial properties

The main goal of the research was to produce a carbon nanofiber (eCNF) membrane modified with metallic nanoparticles in water treatment. eCNF were produced through the process of multi-stage thermal treatment of electroformed polyacrylonitrile nanofibers modified with Ni, Fe, Ag, Co and Cu acetylacetonates. The obtained nanocomposite membranes were characterized using SEM, EDS, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and device allowing the determination of the zeta potential. The microbiological activity test was carried out on two strains of gram positive and negative bacteria. Due to the fact that the metals used can be released into the aquatic environment, tests of the release of metal ions were also carried out and compared with the standards for drinking water. Analyzing the impact of all eCNF modifications with regard to preventing biofilm formation, two mechanisms can be expected, the first one related to the antibacterial effect of metals and the other related to the changes in surface properties by influencing the zeta potential value. Taking into account the effectiveness in antibacterial activity and the safety of using these materials, determined on the basis of the amount of ions released in to the water, the most interesting material is the eCNF modified with Cu and Fe.