A comprehensive study on the synthesis, characteristics, and catalytic applications of submerged hydrogen-mixed argon plasma-synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

This research studied the effects of hydrogen addition on the structural, optical, and catalytic properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by an atmospheric-pressure argon plasma jets with a submerged nozzle. A 3% hydrogen-mixed argon (H2–Ar) plasma jet rapidly and efficiently produced more AgNPs than a pure argon (Ar) plasma jet. Moreover, a submerged plasma jet enhanced the synthesis of AgNPs compared to an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet with its nozzle above the solution. Electrical conductivity, acidity, and hydrogen emission measurements suggested that the efficient and rapid synthesis of AgNPs was due to an increase in the aqua-electron and atomic-hydrogen concentrations caused by the interaction between the H2–Ar plasma and the silver precursor solution. The H2–Ar plasma jet-synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong catalytic effects for rhodamine-B dye and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. The H2–Ar plasma synthesis of AgNPs is rapid, low cost, and environmentally friendly. We hope that this research will promote the broader use of metal nanoparticles.