Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs)—promising materials for antimicrobial coating and film: A review

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2019-02, Vol.358, p.1022-1037
• Main Authors: Han, Wei, Wu, Zhineng, Li, Yao, Wang, Yingying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibacterial agents; Coating; GFNs; Graphene
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2018.10.106

[Display omitted] •GFNs exhibit strong antibacterial properties.•Various antibacterial performance of GFNs and GFNs-based composite were reviewed.•Review of the antibacterial mechanism of GFNs.•GFNs-based antibacterial coatings and films are promising for disinfection and health protection. Antibacterial coating is widely used in health care, food service, and hospital for disinfection and microbial control. As the most popular nanomaterial nowadays, graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs), especially materials coupled with GFNs, exhibit remarkable antibacterial properties. GFNs are used in three forms, namely, the single-component form; mixed with other antibacterial agents, such as silver and photocatalysts; and combined with a base material, such as polymer and MOFs. This paper provides a general overview of the GFN-containing antimicrobial nanomaterials that are available to design antibacterial coatings or films. First, the antimicrobial performances of single-GFNs are introduced briefly. Second, the main antibacterial mechanisms of single-GFNs are presented in detail. In the following sections, GFN-based composites that are functionalized using other materials, including Ag, metal nanoparticles (or metal oxide), photocatalysts, polymers, antibiotic, enzyme, and multicomponent, to enhance their antibacterial ability are reviewed thoroughly. Then, the antibacterial mechanisms of GFNs-based composite are briefly summarized. In addition, practical applications of GFN-based coatings and films for disinfection and health protection are also put forward and discussed in detail. This review would provide valuable information to new material synthesis and practical application of GFNs-based composite.