Use of Pluronic P103 Triblock Copolymer as Structural Agent during Synthesis of Hybrid Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Dilute aqueous solutions of triblock copolymer Pluronic P103 were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by chemical reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). This copolymer was used as a structural agent since monomers act as a stabilizer and micelles act as nanoreactors for nucleation and growth of Ag-NPs. The growth of the nanoparticles (NPs) was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy on the basis of measuring surface plasmon resonance absorption over a temperature range of 25 to 70°C. Shape and size of hybrid silver/P103 nanomaterials were tuned by varying the micellar structure of Pluronic P103 using a simple synthesis procedure. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to study the size and shape of the hybrid nanomaterials. It was observed that Ag-NPs synthesized without Pluronic P103 at 25°C exhibited a great variety of sizes. However, when Pluronic P103 was used below its critical micellar concentration (CMC), spherical-shaped Ag-NPs with uniform size were formed, suggesting that the copolymer had a stabilizing effect. On the other hand, when Ag-NPs were prepared with Pluronic P103 above the CMC, NPs with similar sizes as the micelles were detected, suggesting that the copolymer functioned as a nanoreactor. Furthermore, as temperature reached 35°C, oval-shaped micelles were formed and small NPs were incorporated into the crown of the micelles. Independent Ag-NPs were not observed since they used the surface of the micelles as a soft template. Therefore, it was possible to obtain tiny Ag-NPs with homogeneous size.

Sub‐Thick Electrodes with Enhanced Transport Kinetics via In Situ Epitaxial Heterogeneous Interfaces for High Areal‐Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries

“…During the solvothermal reaction, the pluronic triblock copolymers (P123) did not only serve as a cosurfactant to realize the geometrical manipulation but also as a reducing agent. [17,31] The P123 can easily reduce copper acetate to copper and also etch the surface of the NF for the growth of Ni-Cu nanostructure precursor. According to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results in Figure S1, Supporting Information, the smooth surface of the NF (Figure S1a, Supporting Information) was uniformly covered with nanoflowers (Figure S1b,c, Supporting Information).…”

Effect of Pluronic P103 Concentration on the Simple Synthesis of Ag and Au Nanoparticles and Their Application in Anatase-TiO2 Decoration for Its Use in Photocatalysis

“…Figure 1 a displays the UV-Vis spectra of the sample prepared in the absence of the copolymer (AgNPs P103 0%). As observed, the spectra exhibit absorption bands between 383 and 394 nm, which are related to the LSPR of spherical AgNPs with a radius below 20 nm [ 8 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. An increase in the absorption intensity is observed at the early stages.…”

“…Moreover, band broadening occurred. In solution, the Pluronic P103 structure changes with increasing concentration, i.e., monomers-micelles-agglomerates of micelles [ 8 , 40 ] that modify AgNPs formation.…”

“…However, for aqueous solutions of Pluronic P103 at 1 wt%, I max remains nearly constant during the reaction. Recently, a versatile and inexpensive method was developed to produce oval-shaped micelles with the capacity to act as a soft template or nanoreactor where small sized AgNPs were formed [ 8 ]. Thus, it is proposed that at 1 wt% of P103, surface cavities of the soft template allow an orderly process, causing I max to remain constant.…”

“…In consequence, they decrease the number of elements involved in a reaction [ 6 ]. Recently, triblock copolymer Pluronic P103 has been employed in AgNPs and AuNPs synthesis due to its hydrophobic character, commercial availability, and biocompatibility [ 7 , 8 ]. However, this polymer is very versatile, and a change in temperature and concentration results in new and attractive arrangements.…”