One-Step "Green" Synthesis and Stabilization of Au and Ag Nanoparticles Using Ionic Polymers

Generally, metal nanoparticles are prepared by a variety of chemical methods that are not environmentally friendly. We report on the use of aqueous solutions of ionic polymers containing arsonic acid groups for the green synthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles of intriguing shapes at room temperature without using additional reducing reagent. Our results indicate that these ionic polymers are not only capable of reducing metal ions but also can protect the nanoparticles in the colloidal solutions. In general, the process of metal ions reduction using these ionic polymers is very slow, but the ability of the polymers to protect the Au and Ag nanoparticles permits us to obtain colloidal solutions that are stable for several months. This method would be very much useful for the preparation of other metal nanoparticles.