One-step route for the synthesis of monodisperse aliphatic amine-stabilized silver nanoparticles

Highly stable dispersion of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (1–2 nm in diameter) having low size distribution was synthesized using a straightforward one-step synthesis method. Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a kind of aliphatic amine, was utilized as stabilizing agent to prevent the aggregation of Ag NPs in nonaqueous medium. The successful formation of TEPA-stabilized Ag NPs was demonstrated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanism of TEPA on the stabilization of Ag NPs is also discussed. This facile one-step synthesis route may provide a new perspective for creating other nanoparticles that have potential application in various nanotechnology fields.

Highly stable dispersion of Ag NPs (1–2 nm in diameter) having low size distribution was synthesized using a straightforward one-step synthesis method. Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a kind of aliphatic amine, utilized as stabilizing agent to prevent the aggregation of Ag NPs in nonaqueous medium. This facile one-step synthesis route may provide a new perspective for creating other nanoparticles that have potential application in various nanotechnology fields.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Highly stable dispersion of monodisperse Ag nanoparticles (1–2 nm) was obtained.
► Aliphatic amine was utilized as effective stabilizing agent in nonaqueous medium.
► The robust one-step route is simple and highly reproducible.