Microwave-assisted synthesis of size-controlled silver nanoparticles using polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a reducing agent

Abstract

In this work, stable concentrated aqueous dispersions of size-controlled silver nanoparticles were prepared by microwave irradiation of silver nitrate (AgNO3)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) solution using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a reducing and stabilising agent. Crystal structure, size, optical properties of the silver nanoparticles were characterised by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Quasi-spherical nanoparticles, nanocube and flake-like nanoparticles were synthesised by controlling the experimental parameters such as the ratio of PVP to AgNO3, and the particle size can be conveniently adjusted to 50 nm.