Multi-branched flower-like silver nanoparticles: Preparation and characterization

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were rapidly prepared at room temperature by treating citric acid with the silver ions, nanoparticles that have a number of branches ultimately resembling the shape of flower. Citric acid acts as a reducing as well as shape-directing agent (Mirkin et al., Nature 425 (2003) 487). The effect of various process parameters like the reductant concentration, mixing ratio of the reactants and the concentration of cetlytrimethylammonium bromide were studied in detail. The formation of silver nanoparticles and growth were confirmed by surface Plasmon resonance as determined by UV–visible spectra in the range of 300–700 nm, and the shape and size of the generated particles determined by transmission electron microscopic data. The findings would be useful for the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles for desired functional properties.