Formation kinetics of silver nanoparticles in reverse micelles. 3. Reductant concentration and temperature as factors controlling synthesis of nanoparticles

Abstract

Data on the evolution of optical absorption spectra during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in reverse micelles at different temperatures and reductant concentrations have been presented. Analysis of the bands in the optical absorption spectra with the use of controlled-growth models (logistic and Gompertz models) has resulted in the determination of the parameters of the models and domains of their applicability. Characteristic times of silver nanoparticle synthesis have been found under different conditions. A temperature-scaling factor, which allows one to transform the optical absorption spectra into a comparable form, has been introduced. Based on the scaling of corresponding parameters with respect to the characteristic reaction time and the limiting optical absorption, consistent kinetic dependences have been obtained for different concentrations. This makes it possible to use the obtained parameters for controlling the process of nanoparticle synthesis.