The influence of complexing agent concentration on particle size in the process of SERS active silver colloid synthesis

A one-step chemical reduction route towards silver colloid particles with controllable sizes ranging from 45 to 380 nm is reported in this article. Silver particles, prepared by the reduction of [Ag(NH3)(2)](+) complex with various reducing sugars, were characterised by means of transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), dynamic light scattering ( DLS) measurement of particle size distribution, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The concentration of ammonia in the reaction mixture and the choice of the reducing sugar are the key parameters in the control of particle size. Synthesised silver colloid particles were successfully tested for use in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with 1-methyladenine as a testing substance.