Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Silver Nanocomposites and Effect of CTAB on their Morphology

Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Silver Nanocomposites and Effect of CTAB on their Morphology

Nacre-like film of silver-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-water soluble biologically friendly polymer) nanocomposites is prepared via chemical reduction method, using tyrosine as a catalytic and reducing agent. Preparing of silver-PVA ordered layered nanocomposites by this method is done for the first time. The Ag- nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, which shows an absorption band at 400-475 nm confirming the formation of nanoparticles. The results accord the formation of silver nanoclusters in conjunction with nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles were adsorbed in the PVA matrix through electrostatic interactions. PVA capped silver nanoparticles with or without cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB lead to the formation of nanostructures of various geometric shapes and sizes. Viscosity of the CTAB-PVA mixture was also determined. The role of PVA composition on the optical properties of silver nanoparticles has been examined and discussed.