Shape-controlled synthesis of silver particles by surfactant self-assembly under ultrasound radiation

Abstract

Several methods have been offered for silver nanoparticles production. A new method has been developed including shape-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles in different shapes. Dendrite, cubic, spherical and porous structures were formed by self-arrangement of the surfactant as a template under ultrasound radiation. In order to produce silver particles, ascorbic acid has been used to reduce an aqueous solution of silver nitrate in the presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, poly (vinyl pyrrolidinone), and a mixture of organic and aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology and the size of produced particles were influenced by the type of capping agent, presence of ultrasound radiation, and crystallization time. In order to measure the surface roughness of dendrite and porous particles, an optical reflectometer was used. Surfactant molecules in an aqueous solution can aggregate in different shapes depending on temperature, ionic property of solution, time, and aprotic solvent content.