Green Synthesis of Ag core Cu shell Nanoparticles: Structural and Optical Characterization

Abstract

We report an environmentally benign method for the preparation of AgcoreCushell nanocrystallites by a simple transmetallation reaction, wherein the surface silver atoms act as localized reducing agents for the copper ions in solution. Gelatine, glucose and NaOH are used as stabilizer, reducing agent and accelerator respectively. The synthesized AgcoreCushell nanoparticles are characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The colloidal sols of AgcoreCushell nanoparticles in the biopolymer gelatine show strong surface plasmon resonance absorption. Photoluminescence emission is observed in the visible range of 400–600 nm under UV excitation. AgcoreCushell nanoparticles with characteristic optical properties offer broad opportunities for application in medicine, catalysis and optoelectronics.