One-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles and poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) in poly(styrene sulfonic acid)

Simultaneous synthesis of conductive poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) (PDMA) and silver nanoparticles can be achieved in the presence of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS). The reaction is conducted by choice of the concentrations of PSS, AgNO3 and DMA. In situ UV–vis spectroscopy has been used to monitor the formation of PDMA. Both in situ UV–vis and FTIR results reveal that the rate of polymer formation, electronic state and oxidation state of PDMA–PSS–Ag are strongly dependent on the concentration of PSS in the present system. Transmission electron microscopy shows that silver nanoparticles size is reduced with increasing the concentrations of PSS and DMA.