One-step route for the synthesis of monodisperse aliphatic amine-stabilized silver nanoparticles

Highly stable dispersion of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (1–2 nm in diameter) having low size distribution was synthesized using a straightforward one-step synthesis method. Tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a kind of aliphatic amine, was utilized as stabilizing agent to prevent the aggregation of Ag NPs in nonaqueous medium. The successful formation of TEPA-stabilized Ag NPs was demonstrated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanism of TEPA on the stabilization of Ag NPs is also discussed. This facile one-step synthesis route may provide a new perspective for creating other nanoparticles that have potential application in various nanotechnology fields.