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Abstract
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In this research, carbon nanotube decorated with Cu nanoparticles (CNT/Cu) was synthesized by a new solvothermal
process. Solvothermal treatment of CuSO4 and NaOH was completed in ethanol containing ultrasonically
dispersed CNTs at 160 ◦C for 3 h. In the solvothermal process, Cu nanoparticles were heterogeneously
deposited on the surface of COOH-functionalized CNTs through the reduction of the Cu+2 ions. Cu nanoparticles
with the size of ≈8 nm on CNTs (and some in the solution) and strong bonding between Cu and CNT were
obtained by the used process. Microstructural characterization revealed that the solvothermal method is an
appropriate method for producing homogenous CNT/Cu nanostructure. Also, the antibacterial activity of the
synthesized powder was investigated by disc diffusion, direct contact and colony counting methods. CNT/Cu
nanopowder inhibited bacteria growth within the tested concentration range, while CNTs did not show any
considerable antibacterial response. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration
of CNT/Cu nanopowder were 500 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml against E. coli, and 250 μg/ml and 125 μg/ml against
S. aureus, respectively. S. aureus was more sensitive than E. Coli to CNT/Cu nanopowder which can be attributed
to the absence of a cell wall in gram positive bacteria.
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