In situ controllable synthesis of Ag@AgCl in cellulose film and its effect on anti-fouling properties

Cellulose–Ag@AgCl composite films were fabricated by one-step coagulation of the cellulose/1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl)solution with AgNO3. AgCl was firstly formed when AgNO3 was added into cellulose/BmimCl solution, and then the formed AgCl was further reacted with excess Cl−, leading to the complete dissolution of AgCl. The AgCl crystal would grow again from cellulose matrix in the air after the film formation. Meanwhile, AgCl could be partly decomposed into Ag° and formed Ag@AgCl under visible-light irradiation. The morphology of Ag@AgCl in cellulose matrix could be regulated by changing the molar ratio of BmimCl and AgNO3, the growth time of AgCl crystal and the concentration of cellulose solution. The cellulose composite film with stamen-like Ag@AgCl showed the best anti-fouling properties for methyl orange reagent under visible-light irradiation. This work also provided a simple pathway to regulate the morphology of Ag@AgCl in cellulose or other polymer matrices.