Colloidal silver nanoparticles generated in the presence of protective cationic polyelectrolytes

Several cationic polyelectrolytes were investigated for their ability to st abilize silver colloids, which were prepared from a silver nitrate AgNO3 pr ecursor by in situ reduction with potassium borohydride KBH4. UV-Vis spectr oscopy was employed to characterize the colloidally stable silver samples, and the particle sizes, size distributions, and shapes were determined by t ransmission electron microscopy. The interactions provided by the silver pr ecursors and colloids with the polymeric matrices were found to have an inf luence on the nanoparticle features, their optical properties, and the long -term colloidal stability of the dispersions.