Continuous Production of Silver Nanoparticles and Process Control

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to prepare silver nanoparticles in a tubular reactor using tannic acid as both a reducing agent and a stabiliser. The stability of the process was determined using statistical analysis with control charts. The qualitative analysis of the resulting colloidal silver nanoparticles was investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering method and the transmission electron microscopy. Particles with average sizes ranging from 14 to 60 nm were obtained. Stability of the process was achieved mainly through the use of 0.5 Tannic acid/AgNO 3 molar ratios and temperature ranging from 20 to 45 °C. The proposed technique is consistent with the principles of green chemistry and can be an alternative for traditional nanosilver synthesis.