Although a complete mechanism of the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles remains uncertain, the ensuing research has supported its strong dependence on particle size and size distribution. Reducing the size of nanoparticles in a controlled manner is the key to the increased biocidal performance against harmful bacteria. The polyol process, which uses poly-alcohols as both a solvent and reducing agent, is not efficient in controlling the formation of nanoparticles, thus requiring protective agents and high temperatures. Here, we report an easy, low cost, and controllable water-based polyol synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The reduction reaction of ethylene glycol in water was successfully facilitated at a mild temperature with an aid of a high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol, which chelated silver ions via its coiled conformation. The dependence of the optical density of silver colloids on the concentration of ethylene glycol and a particle size as a function of reaction time suggest the following consecutive particle growth processes: 1) nucleation and particle growth through surface reduction, 2) particle growth through coalescence, and 3) particle growth through Ostwald ripening.

Growth mechanism of silver nanoparticles synthesized by water-based binary polyol reduction

256th National Meeting (2018)

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