Rapid, single-step preparation of dendrimer-protected silver nanoparticles through a microwave-based thermal process

Abstract: The microwave-based thermal process was applied to the preparation of dendrimer-protected silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles occurs rapidly in a single step, carried out by directly heating a third-generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer–AgNO3 aqueous solution in a microwave oven without the introduction of additional reducing reagents and protective reagents. The nanoparticles thus formed were characterized by UV–vis spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of the molar ratio of dendrimer to silver on the formation of silver particles was also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]