An undergraduate exploratory lab that introduces students to a semester-long study of nanoparticle systems led to a larger investigation in the research laboratory to understand the stability and ultimately surface-related pH effects of Ag nanoparticles in solution. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the sodium borohydride reduction method and were investigated during formation by using UV-Vis spectroscopy and monitoring changes in pH. In addition scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to analyze the size and morphology of the Ag nanoparticles in solution both during and post formation. The ITC, UV-Vis and zeta-potential data of both formation and post formation studies have been investigated in order to make correlations between pH, size and shape of the nanoparticles, their corresponding λ<sub>max</sub> and potential surface effects. The data suggests that as the nanoparticles form and the solution returns to thermal equilibrium that a direct correlation between the temperature and the pH of the AgNPs solution exist, indicating a products-related pH response. Herein the investigation of solution based Ag nanoparticles provides a significant opportunity to probe the surface effects and hence stability of these particles.

Investigation of the surface effects of Ag nanoparticles in solution as a result of a NSF-TUES related funding opportunity

249th National Meeting (2015)

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