Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticles have large surface area, which gives them more pronounced effects. Silver nanoparticles, for example, have pronounced biocidal effects, since they can inactivate certain enzymes and alter the DNA synthesis of some microorganisms. In this context, the study of the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles becomes potentially important. The aim of this work was to synthesize nanoparticles and to characterize them in order to contribute to the development of synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. Several methods are used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles; however, in this study we used the Turchevich method which makes use of a reduction reaction using sodium citrate as the reducing agent, and silver nitrate as starting material. After being synthesized, nanoparticles were analyzed with the technique of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, a curve of the size distribution of the particles formed was obtained. This distribution was obtained through a nanoparticle filtration equipment connected to a particle counter-SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer).