Silver nanoparticles: Novel synthesis technique and characterizations

Abstract

In the present work synthesis of nanostructures of silver nanoparticles is done using X-ray films. Exposed X-ray films consisting silver nanoparticles after photo reduction, are cut into small pieces of size 1 X 1 cm. The pieces of photo graphic films are heated in distilled water at 70 °C temperature. These nanoparticles get separated from heated films which are simultaneously collected through electrolytic deposition using copper and carbon rods as electrodes. The carbon rod is wrapped over by LDPE sheet for easy extraction of silver nanoparticles depositing over it. This process was carried in two different environments (1) in broad daylight and (2) on a cloudy day. Characterization of the as synthesized silver nanoparticles was done using XRD, TEM, and UV-vis spectroscopy. XRD of the particles gave peaks well in accordance with JCPDS file 04-0783. TEM revealed that the interaction of silver nanoparticles with sunlight gave chain like structures whereas in the absence of interaction with sunlight, cloudy day, Nano flowers were formed. Nano structures were more prominent for bigger particles because with the increase in size cohesive forces become prominent bringing particles closer. UV-Visible spectroscopy of the sample was also done which confirms formation of silver nanoparticles.