Optimized colloidal chemistry for micelle-templated synthesis and assembly of silver nanocomposite materials

摘要

In this work we identify an effective cmc boundary for a model ionic surfactant/metal salt system (sodium dodecylsulfate/silver nitrate; SDS/AgNO_3), and demonstrate the importance of this boundary with respect to surfactant- and/or micelle-templated synthesis of metal nanoparticles. By preparing SDS-stabilized silver nanocomposite materials using an SDS/AgNO_3 ratio at the identified cmc boundary, we observe the formation of silver nanocomposite assemblies; the extent of assembly can be varied by altering the initial AgNO_3 concentration. Finally, we describe the mechanism of formation and morphology of the nanocomposite materials when the structures are prepared at, above and/or below the effective cmc boundary.