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Size-controlled green synthesis of silver nanoparticles assisted by L-cysteine

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Abstract

A green and size-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in aqueous solution with the assistance of L-cysteine is presented. The size of Ag NPs decreases with the increase of L-cysteine concentration, and thus can be controlled by adjusting L-cysteine concentration. TEM analysis shows that Ag NPs with an average size of 3 nm can be produced in the presence of 1.0 mmol/L L-cysteine, about one sixth of the size of Ag NPs obtained in the absence of L-cysteine (17 nm). The assynthesized silver colloidal solution is stable and can be stored at room temperature for at least two months without any precipitation. This L-cysteine assisted method is simple, feasible and efficient, and would facilitate the production and application of Ag NPs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China

    Wenchao Zhang, Lin Zhang & Yan Sun

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  1. Wenchao Zhang
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  2. Lin Zhang
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  3. Yan Sun
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Correspondence to Lin Zhang.

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Zhang, W., Zhang, L. & Sun, Y. Size-controlled green synthesis of silver nanoparticles assisted by L-cysteine. Front. Chem. Sci. Eng. 9, 494–500 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-015-1527-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-015-1527-1

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