Aqueous dispersions of silver nanoparticles in polyelectrolyte solutions

Abstract

In this report, we present the versatile and effective technique, using environmental friendly reductant glucose, to prepare stable silver nanodispersions by reduction of Ag+ ions. Alternant copolymers of maleic anhydride with vinyl acetate and styrene sulphonate sodium acid salt polyelectrolytes were synthesized in aqueous solution and used as stabilizers. The formation of nano silver particles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and TEM measurements. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements were needed to study how the reagents and their concentrations influence particle size. SEM images show the nanostructure of the hybrid films and indicate a strong interaction between the polyelectrolyte and the silver NPs. Moreover, the silver NPs could be stored for one year without observation of aggregates or sedimentation. The final solid products obtained after evaporating to dryness can be used to produce stable dispersions upon mixing with water. Few of the final products were found to exhibit a high antibacterial and antifungal activity. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2013 Indian Academy of Sciences.