Characterization and Functional Applications of Nanoporous Ag Foams Prepared by Chemical Dealloying

In this study, the pure Ag nanoporous foams, with open cell pore volume fractions 55 to 70 pct and pore sizes 100 to 400 nm, have been prepared by chemical dealloying. The Ag nanoporous foams possess favorable modulus (~0.7 GPa) and strength (~14 MPa), much higher than most of the polymers or ceramic foams. It is found that the Ag nanoporous foams are appropriate candidates for the catalytic and electrode applications. However, they do not exhibit efficient anti-bacterial effect, unless much smaller bacteria with cell sizes of 100 nm or less in the neighborhood are encountered.