Efficiency of reducing silver ions to silver nanoparticle using carbon dots

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been suitably synthesized by reduction of silver ion (Ag+) using carbon dots (CDs) as a reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent. The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficiency of reducing agent (CDs) for the synthesis of AgNPs. The CDs and AgNPs have been characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were also used to characterize CDs. The particle size of CDs and AgNPs was determined by Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that the CDs with particle size of 4.6 nm could be efficiently reduce silver ion at a sufficient ratio of CDs/silver ion to be 100 ml 1 mM−1. The average size of AgNPs was 41 nm. The results of DLS measurement showed that the Zeta potential of AgNPs was −18, 8 mV. In addition, the duration of 60 min was needed to reduce silver ion completely at ambient temperature. The as-synthesized AgNPs may have a potential for antibacterial application and the other purposes as well namely catalysis, biosensor, electromagnetic coating...