Abstract
Self-assembled multilayer thin films, fabricated by the sequential adsorption of appositivelycharged polyelectrolytes, were used as a template for the in situ nucleation and growthof silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Since weak polyelectrolytes have a pH-dependentdegree of dissociation, the multilayer film formed of polyallylamine (PAH) andpolyacryllic acid (PAA) at low pH values contains free carboxylic acid groupsthat do not electrostatically bind to the positive groups of PAH chains duringthe film assembly. These free acid groups in the polyelectrolyte multilayer filmwere used to bind the silver ions, which were subsequently reduced with aNaBH4 solution to form Ag nanoparticles. Electron-microscopy examination of the films andUV–vis spectroscopy showed that the concentration and size of the Ag nanoparticles aredetermined by the processing conditions of the multilayer assembly. Furthermore, due tothe regeneration of the acid groups upon reduction, the synthesis process can be repeatedlycycled to increase the volume fraction of Ag in the polyelectrolyte multilayerfilms. After three reaction cycles, Ag nanoparticles with an average diameter of7 nm at a volume fraction of 65% were obtained in the polyelectrolyte multilayers(PEMs).
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