Synthesis of silver nanoparticles with tunable morphologies via a reverse nano-emulsion route

Abstract

In this study, silver nanoparticles with controlled morphologies including spherical-like nanoparticles, and silver nanowires were synthesized in a sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse ternary nano-emulsion system. The morphology and structure of the silver nanoparticles are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultravioletvisible (UV-vis) spectrum. The result shows that the molar ratio of water to surfactant (w) is crucial for the formation and structure of the nano-emulsion droplets. The controlling of the morphologies of the silver nanoparticles can be achieved through simply adjusting AOT concentration and the formation mechanism of the silver nanoparticles with tunable morphology has been proposed. © 2013 The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials.