Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles by Cationic Aminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymers in Aqueous Media—Effects of Component Ratios and Molar Masses of Copolymers

The ability of aminoethyl methacrylate cationic copolymers to stabilize silver nanoparticles in water was investigated. Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) was employed as a reducing agent for the preparation of silver nanoparticles. The objects were studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Formation of nanoparticles in different conditions was investigated by varying ratios between components (silver salt, reducing agent and polymer) and molar masses of copolymers. As a result, we were successful in obtaining nanoparticles with a relatively narrow size distribution that were stable for more than six months. Consistent information on nanoparticle size was obtained. The holding capacity of the copolymer was studied.