Micelle assisted morphological evolution of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanocrystals are prepared in size and shape selective anionic micelles comprising the surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Rod-like micelles of variable lengths were obtained by the addition of a hydrophobic salt, anilinium nitrate that adsorbs on the surface of the micelles thereby modifying its morphology. In this report, we investigate the effect of key parameters of the micelles namely, size and shape of the micelles on the morphology of silver nanocrystals formed. The axial ratio of the rod-like micelles was estimated from dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and the resulting silver particles, synthesized in the micellar medium, were characterized by optical absorption, DLS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).