Structure and Properties of Electrochemically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution by High-Resolution Techniques.

Antonio Aceto,Luca Scotti,Gianluca Iezzi,Federica Barbieri,Roshan Vasani,Carla Gasbarri,Maurizio Ronci,Tullio Florio,Guido Angelini

doi:10.3390/molecules26175155

Abstract

The aim of this work was to deeply investigate the structure and properties of electrochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through high-resolution techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zeta Potential measurements, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Strong brightness, tendency to generate nanoclusters containing an odd number of atoms, and absence of the free silver ions in solution were observed. The research also highlighted that the chemical and physical properties of the AgNPs seemed to be related to their peculiar oxidative state as suggested by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyses. Finally, the MTT assay tested the low cytotoxicity of the investigated AgNPs.

Highlights

IntroductionThe range of applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been continuously developing, given their unusual properties and features
Accepted: 23 August 2021Over the last decade, the range of applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been continuously developing, given their unusual properties and features
Size, shape, morphology, and physical and chemical properties of metal nanoparticles are strongly affected by the experimental conditions in which their synthesis occurs [12,13]

Summary

Introduction

The range of applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been continuously developing, given their unusual properties and features. AgNPs have already been successfully employed in many different areas including catalysts, electronic, magnetic, and optical nanomaterials, antibacterial agents, and thermally conductive nanofluids up to their inclusion into textile and cosmetics products [1–9]. Strong antibiotic activity of AgNPs against both planktonic and biofilm phenotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other cystic fibrosis-associated bacterial pathogens was observed [10]. The role of these nanoparticles as interactive but not reactive media for azobenzene isomerization has been demonstrated by kinetic, spectroscopic, and Zeta Potential measurements [11]. Size, shape, morphology, and physical and chemical properties of metal nanoparticles are strongly affected by the experimental conditions in which their synthesis occurs [12,13]

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Conclusion