Obtaining of silver nanopowders by the thermal decomposition of fatty silver salts with various chain length

Abstract

In the present study authors describe results of research on silver structures obtained by the thermal decomposition process of organic precursors. Silver nanoparticles obtained during process had different size and structure morphology. Length of precursors carbon chain impact on silver nanopowders quality have been proved. Obtaining particles authors paid attention on silver phase forming mechanism during silver grains aggregations, and also on structural deformation process. Temperatures of precursor decompositions were define precisely with consider of carbon atoms quantity in their carboxylate chains. Activation energy of the test specimens was analyzed with use of thermogravimetric method. The correctness of whole process—from precursors synthesis to their thermal decomposition, were investigated by NMR spectra. Examples of correct silver structures and structural deformations were characterized by SEM imaging. Classification of obtained structures allowed to determine optimal conditions for thermal decomposition process for silver nanopowders production.