Polydimethylsiloxane soft template assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles via vapor-solid reaction growth

Abstract

A new route to synthesize silver nanoparticles via vapor-solid reaction growth (VSRG) is reported. Employing AgCl to react with (Me3Si)(4)Si in a scaled tube (433-673 K) generates silver particles (diameter greater than or equal to 10 mum). Addition of polydimethylsiloxnae (PDMS) to the reaction dramatically reduces the particle size (diameter 60-1200 nm). Moreover, formation of silver nanorods and nanocubes was discovered in some reaction conditions. Adding PDMS and varying the reaction temperature were the key factors influencing the Ag particle size.