Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles in a Plasma-Liquid System in the Presence of PVA: Antimicrobial, Catalytic, and Sensing Properties

Abstract

The preparation of stabilized silver nanodispersions under the action of short-term plasma discharge using a polyvinyl alcohol stabilizer (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) was investigated. The influence of the basic technological parameters such as initial Ag+ concentration, PVA concentration, and process duration on the formation of nanoparticles and their characteristics (size and stability) were determined. The UV-Vis spectra showed the localized surface plasmon resonance at wavelengths of 400–420 nm. The SEM images showed that the shape of Ag NPs is spherical with an average particle size up to 30 nm. Ag NPs were used as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The effect of the concentration of PNP and catalyst dosage on the value of apparent rate constant (kapp) for catalytic reduction of 4-NP in the presence of Ag NPs was investigated by means of UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The antimicrobial activity of Ag nanoparticles was investigated against yeast and Escherichia coli. The colorimetric sensor studies of plasma synthesized Ag NPs showed selective sensing of the potentially hazardous Hg2+ ion in water.