Formation and stability study of silver nano-particles in aqueous and organic medium

Colloidal silver nanoparticles were obtained by chemical reduction of silver nitrate in water and organic solvent with sodium borohydride. The effects of oxidant, reducing agent, stabilizer, and temperature, during the growth of silver nanoparticles were discussed. As the reaction proceeded in aqueous medium a characteristic plasmon absorption peak between 390-420 nm appeared as presence of silver nanoparticles. The peak intensities and shifting (blue or red) were altered in accordance with some applied factors. The formed silver nanoparticles were found to be with particles size range from 3 to 20 nm. The change rates of Ag + ions to Ag 0 in aqueous and organic solvent are strongly temperature dependent, although reduction can take place at room temperature. The silver nano-colloid with negative zeta potential also has been confirmed to be more stable. Obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer, particle analyzer for zeta ( ζ ) potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and transmission electron microscope (TEM).