In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using various reducing agents

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in linear and branched polyelectrolyte matrices using different reductants and distinct synthesis conditions. The effect of the host hydrolyzed linear polyacrylamide and star-like copolymers dextran-graft-polyacrylamide of various compactness, the nature of the reductant, and temperature were studied on in situ synthesis of silver sols. The related nanosystems were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry. It was established that the internal structure of the polymer matrix as well as the nature of the reductant determines the process of the silver nanoparticle formation. Specifically, the branched polymer matrices were much more efficient than the linear ones for stable nanosystem preparation.