Silver nanoparticles embedded in polystyrene-polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanocomposites using γ-ray irradiation: Physico-chemical properties

Abstract

γ-Ray irradiation is used for the synthesis of silver–Polystyrene polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanocomposite microspheres with a controlled shape, size, and functional properties. A monodispersed polystyrene microsphere was synthesized using dispersion polymerization induced by γ-ray irradiation. A polystyrene microsphere surface was used to attract Silver (Ag) nanoparticles in which it is created on it via the continuous reduction of Ag+ by γ-ray irradiation. Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction Analysis, Ultraviolet–Visible Absorption, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy are used for characterization of the final product. The discussion focuses on the physical–chemical aspects of the method. Special attention is paid to the preparation of nanocomposites with individual (non-aggregated) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and versatile morphologies, including the design of nanoparticles and nanocomposites that can perform multifunctional purposes. The focus was also on the problem of the spatial arrangement of nanoparticles and the elucidation of the role of polymers using this method. The synergistic role of the ingredients on the performance of nanocomposites was also discussed. Keywords: γ-Ray irradiation, Silver–Polystyrene polyvinyl pyrrolidone polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Nanocomposite