One-step synthesis of highly monodisperse silver nanoparticles using poly-amino compounds

Monodisperse Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (1–2 nm in diameter) was synthesized using a straightforward one-step method. Poly-amino compounds (DETA, TETA and PEPA) with two or more primary amino groups NH2, which containing N donor atoms, were utilized as effective stabilizing agent to prevent the aggregation of Ag NPs in nonaqueous medium. The successful formation of poly-amino compounds 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 (FRIR). The mechanism of poly-amino compounds 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.