Room temperature synthesis and optical studies on Ag and Au mixed nanocomposite polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer films

Optical properties of silver, gold and bimetallic (Au:Ag) nanocomposite polymer films which are prepared by chemical method have been reported. The experimental data was correlated with the theoretical calculations using Mie theory. We adopt small change in the theoretical calculations of bimetallic/mixed particle nanocomposite and the theory agrees well with the experimental data. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as reducing and capping agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study reveals the presence of different functional groups, the possible mechanism that leads to the formation of nanoparticles by using PVP alone as reducing agent. Optical absorption spectra of Ag and Au nanocomposite polymers show a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band around 430 and 532 nm, respectively. Thermal annealing effect on the prepared samples at 60 °C for different time durations result in shift of SPR band maximum and varies the full width at half maximum (FWHM). Absorption spectra of Au:Ag bimetallic films show bands at 412 and 547 nm confirms the presence of Ag and Au nanoparticles in the composite.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We used water soluble, eco-friendly polymer in synthesis of the metal nanoparticles. ► UV spectra of Au:Ag bimetallic films show bands at 412 and 547 nm. ► Two bands confirms the presence of Ag and Au nanoparticles in the composite. ► The experimental data was agreed with the theoretical spectra based on Mie theory.