Synthesis of silver/silica nanocomposites anchored by polymer via in situ reduction

Silver/silica nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ reduction of silver salt and anchorage of the formed silver nanoparticles to silica nanospheres using a polymer anchor. Synthesis conditions including reductants, anchor polymers, and surfactants were determined. The successful formation of the nanocomposites was governed by the reduction of silver nitrate in citrate aqueous solution by sodium borohydride and adsorption onto polyvinylpyrrolidone coated silica nanospheres. The size and structure of the nanocomposites were observed by light scattering measurement and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Optical properties of the nanocomposites were determined by UV–visible absorption spectra.