Synthesis and characterization of L-histidine capped silver nanoparticles

L-histidine capped Ag nanoparticles have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Spherical Ag nanoparticles with average diameter ranging from 9 to 21 nm can be obtained by tuning the reaction pH and the reactant ratio. The topography, surface and internal structures of the histidine capped Ag nanoparticles have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) results revealed that the Ag colloid in present study have a structure that the imidazole moiety of histidine is bound on the Ag surface and COO− group is exposed outward. The as-synthesized Ag colloidal solution was very stable and can be stored at room temperature at least one month. In addition, it was found that the solution color of Ag colloid can change from yellow to reddish-brown by addition of the NiCl2 solution, which may have potential application for Ni2+ detection.

► L-histidine capped Ag nanoparticles have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
► Ag nanoparticles have been characterized by TEM, AFM, DLS, XPS, XRD, SERS.
► The size of Ag nanoparticles depend on pH condition and the ratios of the reactants.
► A possible structural mode of histidine on surface of Ag nanoparticle was proposed.
► UV absorption and solution color of Ag colloid is sensitive to the addition of Ni2+