Rapid Microwave-Assisted Shape Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The majority of procedures for shape-controlled silver nanoparticle synthesis report the use of a common set of reagents: a source of silver ions, a reducing agent, a shape directing agent, and a capping/protective agent. Associated reaction times are long, typically ranging from 24-72 hours. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis that includes only water, silver ions, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), producing predictable sizes and shapes of silver nanoparticles in 20 minutes.