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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
2007
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February
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In the Laboratory
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Synthesis and Study of Silver Nanoparticles
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Sally D. Solomon, Mozghan Bahadory, Aravindan V. Jeyarajasingam, Susan A. Rutkowsky,
and Charles Boritz
Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Lorraine Mulfinger
Department of Chemistry, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA 16652
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February 2007
Vol. 84 No. 2
p. 322
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| Abstract |
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A laboratory experiment introduces students to a unique property of a nanomaterial: the intense yellow color exhibited by silver nanoparticles compared to ionic or bulk silver. Students synthesize colloidal silver, estimate particle size using visible spectroscopy, and study aggregation and its prevention by addition of a polymer stabilizer. This experiment, intended as a laboratory activity for general chemistry, introduces students to nanotechnology while reinforcing topics such as redox chemistry, limiting and excess reactants, spectroscopy, and atomic size. The experiment requires dilute solutions and simple equipment such as the Spectronic-20 spectrophotometer and a magnetic stir plate. The reaction used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is the borohydride reduction of silver nitrate. The method produces 12 ± 2 nm particles and plasmon absorbance near 400 nm. In developing the experiment, transmission electron microscope (TEM) images were used to determine particle size; however, TEM is not involved in the student experiment. The experimental design is discussed, including the choice of concentrations of reactants, the relationship of particle size to optical properties, as well as a discussion of aggregation and stabilizers. The experiment was tested on laboratory classes of science majors.
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Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Solomon, Sally; Bahadori, Mozghan; Jeyarajasingam, Aravindan V.; Rutkowsky, Susan A.; Boritz, Charles; Mulfinger, Lorraine. J. Chem. Educ. 2007 84 322.
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Keywords |
Colloids; Laboratory Instruction; Nanotechnology; Silver
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
1/9/2007
2/16/2007
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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