| Summary: | Abstract ZnO/nanoclay hybrids are synthesized by a single-step solid-state reaction using ZnCl2 as a reagent. These hybrids were prepared by a simple alkaline ion exchange method, without using any surfactant or chelating agents. By adjusting the reagent’s immersion time in molten salt, production of pure ZnO/nanoclay hybrids was achieved. Synthesized hybrids were characterized by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, XRD, XRF and SEM. SEM confirmed increased nanoclay porosity. The XRD pattern of the ZnO/nanoclay indicated small changes in the intensity and position of the interlayer spacing of montmorillonite. Antibacterial activity of the hybrids against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed using disc diffusion. The results show that the antibacterial efficiency of the hybrid is not influenced by the time or the temperature of ion exchange, but is affected by bacterial type.
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