Synthesis of tween-coated silver nanoparticles by a plasma-chemical method: Catalytic and antimicrobial activities

Abstract

Stable silver nanoparticles were rapidly synthesized by simple, eco-friendly atmospheric pressure plasma method using non-ionic Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene-(80)-sorbitan monooleate) as capping agent. Influences of Tween 80 concentration on the formation efficiency of silver nanoparticle, their average size and stability have been studied. The synthesized silver nanoparticles had significant antibacterial activity on two strains of Gram bacteria. The AuNPs showed excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) to p-aminophenol (4-AP) in the presence of NaBH4.