In situ approach induced growth of highly monodispersed Ag nanoparticles within free standing PVA/PVP films

Ag nanoparticles supported within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) films have been successfully synthesized using novel in situ method. PVA and PVP acted as stabilizer and polyol reductant, respectively. The successful incorporation of silver nanoparticles in PVA/PVP matrix was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that PVA/PVP-stabilized silver nanocomposite film revealed the presence of well-dispersed and spherical silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30 nm, while the particle sizes were reduced as the PVP percentage increased. A possible formation mechanism of Ag nanoparticles is also proposed in this article.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► As the metallo-polymer mixtures were casted, water evaporated first and polymer molecules were then dried to form coils.
► The polymeric films act as physical barrier confining silver nitrate within their chains.
► The silver nitrate is reduced to silver, which nucleated and grew.