Preparation of nanosilver by using water-insoluble reducing agent o-phenylenediamine

Spherical and dendritic nanometre silver is prepared by using the water-insoluble reducing agent o-phenylenediamine (OPD) in rapid-mixing and interface methods, respectively. Particle size and morphology of nanosilver are analysed using the scanning electron microscope and UV-visible spectrophotometer, whereas crystal structure characterisations are performed by X-ray. The effects of reactant ratio and concentration are investigated. The results show that optimal AgNO₃ concentration range for growth of spherical nanometre silver is 0.6 mol/l and the optimal ratio of AgNO₃ and OPD is 1:1 in the protection of polyvinylpyrrolidone. The mechanism of OPD reduction method would be reached and the reaction equation could be speculated by inductively coupled plasma and infrared spectrometry.