Silver nanoparticles
and nanowires can be efficiently synthesized
in high yield using the polyol synthesis method. However, there are
many open questions regarding the mechanisms involved, and how the
size and morphology can be effectively controlled. In this work, silver
nanoparticles were characterized during and after the synthesis procedure.
In the early stages, crystalline silver-silver chloride nanoparticles
(Ag-AgCl NPs) were the most commonly observed particles. As the reaction
progressed, the fraction of Ag-AgCl NPs decreased while the fraction
of isolated silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) increased. We hypothesize
that the AgCl in Ag-AgCl NPs dissolves as Ag(I) into the solution
and is then reduced to Ag(0), leaving the Ag portion as isolated Ag
NPs with similar particle size, morphology, and microstructures. These
Ag NPs accounted for the majority of the final product.
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