Preparation and dispersive properties of Ag colloid by electrical explosion of wire

In this work, Ag colloid was prepared by electrical explosion of wire in deionized water with 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm wire diameter. The temperature of water used for medium of explosion process was change from 20 °C to 80 °C. Morphology and particle size of nanoparticles was observed by transmission electron microscope. The particle size and size distribution of nanoparticles was found to shift to a smaller size with a decrease of temperature and smaller wire diameter. Surface plasmon resonance of the silver colloids was studied by UV–vis spectroscopy. Stability of silver colloids was investigated by zeta-potential and Turbiscan techniques. The results indicated that temperature of medium during explosion affects much on the stability of Ag colloid. The silver colloidal stability prepared at lower temperature and smaller wire diameter was more stable.

Research highlights
► Wire diameter and synthetic temperature affect on properties of Ag colloid by EEW.
► The lower temperature and smaller diameter make smaller size and narrower size distribution.
► Ag colloid are more stable at lower synthetic temperature and smaller size.