Self-assembly of silver nanoparticles: Formation of a thin silver film in a polymer matrix

A synthetic route is presented for the preparation of a silver film in presence of UV-radiation. Methoxy polyethylene glycol, a water-soluble polymer, was used as the reducing agent of the silver ions in the presence of an ultraviolet source to produce silver nanoparticles. During solution stirring, a centrifugal force was generated at the center of the solution. At this point on the surface of the solution, the nanoparticles coalesced to form a self-assembly of small subunits that ultimately develops into a film-like network.