Radiolytic formation of Ag clusters in aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution and hydrogel matrix

Ag+ ions, in aqueous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution and in PVA hydrogel matrix have been gamma radiolytically reduced to produce Ag clusters. UV-visible absorption spectral characteristics of Ag clusters obtained under different gamma dose, Ag+ concentration, PVA concentration and crosslinking density of the gel used have been studied. The effect of Ag+ ions on the radiation crosslinking of the PVA chains, have also been investigated by viscosity measurements. The radiation-induced Ag+ ion reduction was followed by crosslinking of the PVA chains. PVA was found to be a very efficient stabilizer to prevent aggregation of Ag clusters. The clusters produced in the hydrogel matrix were expected to be smaller than the pore size (∼2-20 nm) of the gels used in the study. These Ag clusters were unable to reduce methyl viologen (MV2+) chloride and were stable in air.