Effect of discharge time on the size control of AgNPs prepared by non-thermal atmospheric plasma discharge

In this work, well-controlled and high stability colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were attained via atmospheric-pressure plasma glow discharge in AgNO₃ aqueous solution by controlling the discharge time. DC glow discharge with (6 kV) applied voltage and (1.8 mA) discharge current for discharge time (5, 10 and 15 min) was carried out in home–made cell at room temperature to prepare specific sizes and form of (AgNPs). Atmospheric pressure plasma between stainless steel capillary tube cathode electrode above the (AgNO₃) electrolyte solution and platinum disk as an anode immersed in an (AgNO₃) electrolyte solution for fast generation of colloidal nanoparticles. Structural properties of Ag NPs layer were examined via studying of field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Optical properties of (AgNPs) were characterized by a UV–Vis beam spectrophotometer. The obtained results showed that (AgNPs) were uniformly distributed on the silicon substrate. Grain size and specific surface area of AgNPs intensely be influenced by the discharge time.