In this study, a novel low-temperature surface treatment process was developed using nano-coating solutions containing uniformly dispersed metal nanoparticles based on silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). The primary objective was to establish a versatile coa...
In this study, a novel low-temperature surface treatment process was developed using nano-coating solutions containing uniformly dispersed metal nanoparticles based on silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). The primary objective was to establish a versatile coating method applicable to a wide range of substrates—including textiles, polymeric films, and cellulose-based papers—while maintaining high dispersion stability and surface adhesion at temperatures below 100 °C. To achieve this, the colloidal stability of Ag and Cu nanoparticles was optimized through surface modification and the use of polymeric dispersants, preventing agglomeration and ensuring homogeneous nanoparticle distribution within the coating matrix. The coated surfaces exhibited pronounced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects originating from the collective oscillation of free electrons in the metal nanoparticles. These SPR-induced electronic oscillations promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide anions, which interacted with cationic contaminants such as odor-causing molecules and microbial cell walls. This mechanism led to effective antibacterial and deodorizing performance under ambient light conditions. Moreover, the application of external energy sources, such as visible or infrared irradiation and moderate heat, amplified the plasmonic resonance, thereby significantly enhancing catalytic and functional activity. Characterization analyses, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and surface morphology observations, confirmed the uniformity of nanoparticle distribution and the stability of the coated layers. The proposed approach enables multifunctional surface coatings that are not only effective at low temperatures but also environmentally benign, avoiding the use of toxic solvents or high-temperature sintering processes. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of an eco-friendly, low-energy nano-coating platform that offers broad applicability across antibacterial, deodorizing, and anti-contamination technologies, with potential scalability to industrial-level roll-to-roll manufacturing.