| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 594676 | Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects | 2011 | 5 Pages |
In the present study, silver nanoparticles were rapidly prepared at room temperature by treating citric acid with the silver ions, nanoparticles that have a number of branches ultimately resembling the shape of flower. Citric acid acts as a reducing as well as shape-directing agent (Mirkin et al., Nature 425 (2003) 487). The effect of various process parameters like the reductant concentration, mixing ratio of the reactants and the concentration of cetlytrimethylammonium bromide were studied in detail. The formation of silver nanoparticles and growth were confirmed by surface Plasmon resonance as determined by UV–visible spectra in the range of 300–700 nm, and the shape and size of the generated particles determined by transmission electron microscopic data. The findings would be useful for the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles for desired functional properties.
Graphical abstractThe approximate three-fold symmetry and weak reducing nature of citric acid are responsible to the hyperbranched growth of silver nanoparticles in all nonspecific directions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Generally, a mixture of strong and weak reducing agents are used in the preparation of multibranched silver nanoparticles. ► Presence of two reductants may alter the shape, size and the size distribution of nanoparticles. ► Although there is a vast literature on the preparation of multibranched silver nanoparticles, but detailed reports on the role of citric acid are scarce. ► Keeping this in mind, effect of citric acid concentration on the growth of nanoparticles is seen. ► Shape-directing role of citric acid is responsible to the growth of flower-like silver nanoparticles.
