Physicochemical properties of colloidal Ag/PVA nanoparticles synthesized by gamma irradiation

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are widely studied because of their superior properties so they are extensively used in various applications. Structural modification with the right synthesis method is the key to obtain superior properties of Ag NPs. In this experiment, gamma irradiation methods have been used to synthesize Ag NPs. The synthesis solution was prepared from a solution of silver metal nitrate salts with a molarity of 10 mM and then mixed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. The irradiation process was carried out in the Cobalt-60 gamma source chamber at a range dose from 0 to 10 kGy with a dose rate of 4.6 kGy/h. This process has caused the solution turns to yellow indicating the formation of Ag/PVA colloidal nanoparticles. The Ag/PVA nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The UV-Vis spectra showed the localized surface plasmon resonance at wavelengths of 420-407 nm. The intensity of the absorption peak increases with increasing gamma dose and reaches a maximum value starting at a dose of 4 kGy. The TEM images showed the shape of Ag NPs is spherical with an average particle size getting bigger with increasing irradiation dose.