Multifunctional silver nanocomposite: A potential material for antiscaling, antimicrobial and anticorrosive applications

Present investigation aims for the synthesis and characterization of a new eco-environmental and cost-effective silver nanocomposite (AgNPs) for application as multifunctional inhibitor of scaling and corrosion. The AgNPs was synthesized by reduction of silver ions using Allium cepa peels extract. The AgNPs exhibit impressive stability and resistance to thermal and biochemical degradation. The AgNPs were round shaped, monodispersed and non-aggregated, with surfaces rich in oxygen and nitrogen sites. Compared to the crude extract, AgNPs exhibits higher antimicrobial activity and afforded a 3-log reduction in population of Desulfovibrio sp. At 30 ​°C, AgNPs inhibits carbonate scale, sea water corrosion and bio-corrosion at efficiencies of 30.8%, 14.4% and 55.9%, respectively, and 37.4%, 37.3%, 45.6%, respectively at 60 ​°C. AgNPs sustained its high efficiency even after being preserved for 180 days and addition of d-tryosine and mevalonic acid phosphate further intensified the efficiency by synergistic effect.