Optimized colloidal chemistry for micelle-templated synthesis and assembly of silver nanocomposite materials

In this work we identify an effective cmc boundary for a model ionic surfactant/metal salt system (sodium dodecylsulfate/silver nitrate; SDS/AgNO3), and demonstrate the importance of this boundary with respect to surfactant- and/or micelle-templated synthesis of metal nanoparticles. By preparing SDS-stabilized silver nanocomposite materials using an SDS/AgNO3 ratio at the identified cmc boundary, we observe the formation of silver nanocomposite assemblies; the extent of assembly can be varied by altering the initial AgNO3 concentration. Finally, we describe the mechanism of formation and morphology of the nanocomposite materials when the structures are prepared at, above and/or below the effective cmc boundary.