Plasma Catalytic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

We present the experimental results of plasma catalytic synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles, using AgNO₃ as the precursor, ethanol as the solvent and reducing agent, and poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the macromolecular surfactant. The plasma is generated by an atmospheric argon dielectric barrier discharge jet. Silver nanoparticles are produced instantly once the plasma is ignited. The system is not heated so it is necessary to use traditional chemical methods. The samples are characterized by UV−visible absorbance and transmission electron microscopy. For glow discharge mode no obvious silver nanoparticles are observed. For low voltage filamentary streamer discharge mode a lot of silver nanoparticles with the mean diameter of ∼3.5 nm are generated and a further increase of the voltage causes the occurrence of agglomeration.