Silver nanoparticles can be prepared primarily through chemical reduction, where silver nitrate is reduced using agents like sodium borohydride. Other methods include photochemical synthesis and microwave-assisted synthesis, allowing control over particle size and stability for various applications.
Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized using various methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common methods:
Chemical Methods:Chemical Reduction: This is the most widely used method, where silver salts (like silver nitrate) are reduced using reducing agents such as sodium borohydride or citrate. This method allows for control over the size and shape of the nanoparticles1. Photochemical Reduction: Involves the use of light to reduce silver ions in the presence of a photosensitizer.
Physical Methods:Evaporation-Condensation: This method involves the evaporation of a silver source followed by condensation to form nanoparticles3. Laser Ablation: Silver nanoparticles are produced by ablating a silver target in a liquid medium using a laser.
Biological Methods:Green Synthesis: Utilizes biological entities like plant extracts, bacteria, or fungi to reduce silver ions. This method is eco-friendly and often results in biocompatible nanoparticles.
Reduction Method is the most common approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles. In this method, a silver salt, such as silver nitrate (AgNO3), is mixed with a reducing agent, such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or citric acid. The reducing agent facilitates the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles. The process typically occurs in a controlled environment to regulate factors like temperature and pH, which influence the size and distribution of the nanoparticles.
It also varies on the basis of use of nanoparticles further.