Role of pH in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The role of pH in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is investigated. For the reduction synthesis of AgNPs we use silver nitrate, glucose, sodium hydroxide and starch respectively to serve as precursor, reducing agent, accelerator and stabilizer. The effect of NaOH addition on the nature of AgNPs is systematically studied. Two reaction pathways are proposed to explain the formation of AgNPs, keeping in view the pH changes that occur on addition of different amounts of NaOH. The aqueous sol of AgNPs prepared at different pH values display different surface plasmon resonance (SPR) behavior. This is explained in terms of size and size distribution of AgNPs. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.