Spontaneous formation of Ag nanoparticles in dimethylacetamide solution of poly(ethylene glycol)

The spontaneous formation of Ag nanoparticles in a dimethylacetamide (DMAC) solution of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was studied. FTIR analysis showed the formation of carbonyl groups, revealing that PEG acted as not only a protective agent but also a reducing agent in the formation of Ag nanoparticles. Since no significant reactions were observed when poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) was used to replace PEG or acetonitrile was used to replace DMAC, it was suggested that PEG molecules might be coiled to form pseudo-crown ether cavities, in which Ag complexes were bound to the oxyethylene groups and reduced, and that the use of a solvent which might appropriately solvate the Ag salt was important for the formation of Ag nanoparticles. In addition, the mean diameters of the resultant Ag nanoparticles were 3.8-9.0 nm, increasing with increasing AgNO(3) concentration. A sufficiently high PEG concentration relative to AgNO(3) was necessary for the formation of smaller Ag nanoparticles. This work provided a simple route for the in situ synthesis of Ag nanoparticles.