Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles From Used X-Ray Film By Heat-Free Polyol Method

Despite several studies on synthesis of silver nanoparticles, the development of a cost-effective synthesis method is still challenging. In this work, silver nanoparticles were prepared via a heat-free polyol method with used X-ray film as a silver precursor. The used X-ray film was dipped in concentrated nitric acid at room temperature using a 1:1 liquid:solid ratio to obtain silver nitrate/nitric acid media. The results obtained show that silver about 99% is achieved. The heat-free polyol method uses ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide as a reducing agent, capping agent, and reaction catalyst, respectively. Adding silver nitrate/nitric acid to the polyol cause a reaction temperature increase of up to 60 degrees Celsius. The presence of ammonium hydroxide and nitric acid in the reaction enabled easier oxidation of ethylene glycol without heating. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The particle size of silver nanoparticles can be varied from 10 to 50 nm by controlling experimental parameters.