Characterization and optical studies of PVP-capped silver nanoparticles

In this study, the size-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via chemical reduction method by NaBH4 as a reducing agent and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) or PVP as a stabilizing agent is reported. Changing of ratios between reducing agent and stabilizing agent relative to AgNO3-optimized conditions for synthesis of stable Ag NPs was studied. The formation of Ag NPs was tracked by UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Particle size distribution was studied by particle size analyzer, and the morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties of the synthesized Ag NPs were also investigated. The optimized Ag NPs were very stable even after 1 month that was due to effective stabilization by PVP molecules. The mechanism of Ag NPs formation and stabilization is discussed in detail.