In situ formation of silver nanoparticles in PMMA via reduction of silver ions by butylated hydroxytoluene

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were efficiently generated by in situ reduction of silver ions via butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), in poly(methyl methacrylate). The characterization of Ag/PMMA by TEM, SEM, XRD, and FTIR indicated that Ag NPs with a face center cubic (fcc) crystal structure and a mean diameter of about 30 nm were dispersed in PMMA matrix with a relatively uniform distribution. In addition, the results of UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated that optical properties of the nanocomposite appeared mainly dependent on the reaction time and temperature. Increasing the reaction time and temperature make higher yield of Ag NPs. A provisional reduction mechanism was also proposed for the formation of the Ag NPs.