Smart Silver Nanoparticles from Nanoreactors made by Invertible Polyesters

We developed a simple way to prepare smart silver nanoparticles that are well dispersible in both polar and nonpolar media. The synthesis was performed using solutions of an invertible amphiphilic polyester made via a polycondensation reaction of sebacic acid and poly(ethylene glycol). Reduction, formation of silver nanoparticles, and their stabilization occur in the polyester micellar domains (nanoreactors) that are formed in the reaction medium. Comparison of XRD experimental data shows that microphase separation of polyester units resulting in subsequent large range ordering occurs by change of the polyester concentration. The shape and size of the domains depend on the polyester concentration and the ratio between the lipophilic and hydrophilic constituents in the macromolecule as well as on solvent (reaction medium) polarity.