Self-assembly and controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles in SDS quaternary microemulsion

Size and shape controlled silver nanoparticles have been synthesized in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) quaternary microemulsion system. The morphologies and structures of the nanoparticles are characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanism for the formation of silver nanoparticles and plate structures is also discussed. The result shows that SDS surfactant molecules not only can form a protection layer on the surface to prevent the particles from aggregation, but also may act as template to orient the particles' growth to form silver plates, which may be important in the fabrication of flake-like silver powders.