Proecological method for the preparation of metal nanoparticles

Since silver, gold and copper nanoparticles exhibit high application potential, developing new, environment-friendly methods for their preparation has become extremely beneficial. Based on the principles of Green Chemistry, innovative methods for obtaining silver, gold and copper nanoparticles by chemical reduction have been developed. Stable suspensions of silver, gold and cooper nanoparticles have been obtained using synthetic chemical compounds whose physicochemical properties allow them to be used for the simultaneous reduction of metal ions and stabilization of the nanoparticles formed. Shikimic and tannic acids, sodium salicylate and sodium potassium tartrate, all of which occur in naturally, have served as such substances. The average size of gold nanoparticles obtained with the use of sodium salicylate was about 130 nm and with use of shikimic acid - 70 nm. Preparation of silver nanoparticles was possible when using all compounds and their size ranged from 30 to 135 nm. Only using tannic acid and sodium potassium tartrate led to obtaining copper nanoparticles whose size was between 25 and 100 nm. Thanks to the natural origin of reducing and stabilizing substances, the developed method may be described as eco-friendly. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.