Electrochemical Immobilization of Silver Nanoparticles in a Polymethylolacryalmide Matrix

Abstract

The possibility is studied of electrochemical synthesis of a nanocomposite of polymer/silver nanoparticles. The composite was formed in two stages including synthesis of a polymethylolacrylamide film by electropolymerization and the further immobilization of silver nanoparticles in a polymer matrix using the method of electrochemical reduction of metal ions to Ag0 in a film impregnated by AgNO3 solution. Physical, chemical, electrochemical, and catalytic characteristics of hybrid materials are studied. The presence of Ag0 in the polymer is confirmed both visually and using the methods of X-ray phase analysis, plasmon resonance, scanning electron microscopy, energy–dispersive and atomic absorption analysis. The optimum modes of electrochemical immobilization of Ag0 nanoparticles in the polymer are determined. The effect of the potential sweep rate, number of cycles and AgNO3 concentration on the completeness of reduction of Ag+ and amount of silver immobilized in the composite is studied. It is found that electroreduction of Ag+ to Ag0 occurs predominantly in the first cycle. The method of small–angle X-ray scattering is used to obtain the functions of silver particle distribution by radii. It is established that the average diameter of Ag nanoparticles is about 20 nm. It is found that polymer methylolacrylamide films containing silver nanoparticles manifest electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide.