Facile synthesis of monodisperse silver nanoparticles by bio-template of squama inner coat of onion

This paper describes a facile sy]nthetic method for preparing monodisperse silver nanoparticles by bio-template of the squama inner coat of onion. The method is able to make silver nanoparticles with average diameters in the range of 4.6–7.9 nm with narrow size distribution. The important factors in the synthesis of monodisperse silver nanoparticles were discussed. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope, Powder X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A possible formation mechanism was also proposed. Because of its simple apparatus, high yield, convenient operation and mild conditions, this synthetic method will have potential application in preparing nanoparticles.