# Functional Application of Noble Metal Nanoparticles In Situ Synthesized on Ramie Fibers

## TL;DR

Ramie fibers were treated with silver and gold nanoparticles, giving them colorful appearances and useful properties like catalytic activity and antibacterial effects.

## Contribution

A novel method for in situ synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles on ramie fibers, enhancing their functional properties.

## Key findings

- Noble metal nanoparticles on ramie fibers produced bright colors due to localized surface plasmon resonance.
- Silver and gold nanoparticles showed catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction and antibacterial properties, respectively.
- SEM and UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle synthesis and optical properties on the fibers.

## Abstract

Different functions were imparted to ramie fibers through treatment with noble metal nanoparticles including silver and gold nanoparticles. The in situ synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles was achieved by heating in the presence of ramie fibers in the corresponding solutions of precursors. The unique optical property of synthesized noble metal nanoparticles, i.e., localized surface plasmon resonance, endowed ramie fibers with bright colors. Color strength (K/S) of fibers increased with heating temperature. Silver nanoparticles were obtained in alkaline solution, while acidic condition was conducive to gold nanoparticles. The optical properties of treated ramie fibers were investigated using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the morphologies of silver and gold nanoparticles in situ synthesized on fibers. The ramie fibers treated with noble metal nanoparticles showed remarkable catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by sodium borohydride. Moreover, the silver nanoparticle treatment showed significant antibacterial property on ramie fibers.

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11671-015-1074-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.