Fullerene Mediated Electrosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles in Toluene-DMF

Abstract

Using C60 and C70 fullerenes as mediators, efficient mediated electrosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in toluene-DMF/ 0.1 M Bu4NBF4 medium was carried out by reduction of Ag+ at the potentials of the fullerene radical anions generation. Synthesis was performed in the absence and in the presence of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in the cathodic compartment of a diaphragm-separated cell by addition of Ag+ as AgNO3 into solution and in a single compartment cell by in situ generation of Ag+ by dissolution of an Ag-anode during electrolysis. In all cases, Ag+ ions are quantitatively reduced upon consumption of the theoretical amount of electricity; the generated metal is quantitatively obtained in solution bulk in the form of spherical NP with sizes in the range from 11 ± 2 to 24 ± 9 nm. In electrolysis in a single compartment cell, dispersion of the Ag-anode occurs along with its dissolution and the total current efficiency of AgNP is 131 ÷ 163%. In the presence of PVP, individual AgNP are stabilized in the PVP shell. The isolated Ag/PVP nanocomposite is deposited on a solid support both in individual form and as three-component Ag/PVP/fullerene nanocomposite. In the absence of PVP, the Ag/fullerene nanocomposite is obtained.