Green synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles by sonochemical method

A facile sonochemical method was developed for preparing colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in aqueous gelatin solutions. The effect of the reducing agent and Ag+ concentrations, ultrasonic time, and ultrasonic amplitude on the particle size has been investigated. The size of the Ag-NPs decreases with the ultrasonic amplitude and increases with ultrasonic time. Well-dispersed spherical Ag-NPs with a mean particle size of about 3.5 nm have been synthesized under ultrasonic process. The use of gelatin as an eco-friendly stabilizer provides green and economic attributes to this work. This preparation method is general and may be extended to other noble metals, such as Au, Pd and Pt, and may possibly find various additional medicinal, industrial and technological applications.

Graphical AbstractAFM view of Ag-NPs synthesized by sonochemical method in gelatin media.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A sonochemical route was applied in preparation of Ag-NPs using nontoxic materials.
► Ag-NPs showed spherical shape with uniform size of about 3.5 nm.
► The gelatin played as both reductant and stabilizer in this work.
► This method can be used for preparing other noble metal nanoparticles.