Progressive approach for metal nanoparticle synthesis

We report on the development of an unconventional approach for the physical synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. The method, combining physical deposition of metal into propane-1,2,3-triol (glycerol), provides an interesting alternative to time consuming, wet-based chemical synthesis techniques. Nanoparticle size and shape were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optical properties of nanoparticle solution were determined by measuring its UV–Vis spectra. TEM analysis revealed that the resulting nanoparticles possess excellent resistance to aggregation and exhibit narrow size distribution with the average diameter of about 4 nm. The stability of prepared nanoparticle-glycerol system was observed also for diluted aqueous solutions.

► Ag and Au nanoparticles were prepared by metal sputtering into propane-1,2,3-triol (glycerol).
► Average nanoparticle diameter prepared in this way is about 4 nm.
► Resulting nanoparticles possess resistance to aggregation and exhibit narrow size distribution.