Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by γ-ray irradiation in acetic water solution containing chitosan

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by γ-ray irradiation of acetic water solutions containing AgNO3 and chitosan. The resulting particles with the average diameter of 4–5 nm were densely dispersed in the solution due to the protection of chitosan chains. UV–vis spectra showed that the irradiation dose would affect the size distribution of nanoparticles.