Homogeneously dispersed silver nanoparticles on the honeycomb-patterned poly(N-vinylcarbazole)-cellulose triacetate composite thin films by the photoreduction of silver nitrate

Abstract

The photocontrolled reduction of silver nitrate to silver (Ag) nanoparticles on honeycomb-patterned poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK)-cellulose triacetate (CTA) composite thin films was studied. The composites were prepared via the oxidative polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole with ferric chloride using different CTA concentrations. A honeycomb-patterned film was fabricated by casting the composite solution under humid conditions. Ag particles with a homogeneous distribution were produced by the composite film in a moderate CTA concentration, whereas aggregated Ag was obtained from the pure PVK film.