Preparation of Ag nanoparticles with triethanolamine as reducing agent and their antibacterial property

Hydroxide ions play a crucial role in the reduction of Ag+ ions with alcohol. In this paper, Ag nanoparticles were prepared with triethanolamine (TEA) serving as reducing agent and alkali for the first time. The effects of stabilizer, mole ratio of AgNO3/TEA, temperature and AgNO3 concentration on the particles, as well as the antibacterial performance of the particles, were studied. The results showed that, PEG and PVP are effective for inhibiting the growth of particles, and Ag particles about 40 nm in size were obtained. The effects of TEA amount on the particles are negligible. On rising temperature, the particles size increase and the particles become more regular. With the increased AgNO3 concentration, the particles tend to large and poly-dispersed. The Ag nanoparticles show excellent antibacterial property.

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► Ag nanoparticles were prepared with triethanolamine as reducing and alkaline agent.
► Particles about 40 nm in size were obtained.
► Effects of stabilizer, temperature and concentration on particles were studied.