Polyelectrolytes Based on Poly(p-Acryloyloxybenzaldehyde) with Arsonic Acid Groups Useful in the Colloidal Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Several methods have been developed for synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. However, Ag nanoparticles are unstable materials, and they tend to agglomerate losing their properties. Polymers are commonly employed for the stabilization of Ag nanoparticles in colloidal solutions. Polymers with ionic groups such polyelectrolytes can stabilize metallic nanoparticles through electrostatic and steric effects. In this work we employed poly(p-acryloyloxybenzaldehyde) and their derivates containing arsonic acid groups in ortho and para positions as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. Polyelectrolytes containing arsonic acid groups in ortho position were better reducing agents than the poly(p-acryloyloxybenzaldehyde) and the polyelectrolyte with arsonic acid group in para position, leading to the reduction of Ag+ ions in short reaction time. The polyelectrolyte with arsonic acid groups in para position was the best stabilizing agent leading to obtaining Ag nanoparticles with the smallest average size.