title: Solvent-adaptable silver nanoparticles.
abstract: A simple and efficient way of obtaining silver nanoparticles that are dispersible both in organic and in aqueous solvents using a single capping agent is described. The silver nanoparticles are initially prepared in water in the presence of aerosol OT [sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)-sulfosuccinate, AOT]. Thereafter, transfer of the AOT-capped silver nanoparticles to an organic phase is induced by the addition of a small amount of orthophosphoric acid during shaking of the biphasic mixture. The AOT-stabilized silver nanoparticles could be separated out from the organic phase in the form of a powder. The hydrophobic nanoparticles thus prepared are stable and are readily resuspended in a variety of other polar (including water) and nonpolar solvents without further surface treatment. The amphiphatic nature of the silver surface is brought about by a small orientational change in the AOT monolayer on the silver surface in response to the polarity of the solvent.
authors.affiliation: Nanoscience Group, Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India. blvprasad@dalton.ncl.res.in
authors.forename: B L V
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: Sujatha K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Arumugam
authors.forename: Tanushree
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bala
authors.forename: Murali
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sastry