Copolymers of maleic acid and their amphiphilic derivatives as stabilizers of silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by reduction of the corresponding metal salt with NaBH(4) in the presence of appropriate dispersing agents, namely, copolymers of maleic acid: poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone-alt-maleic acid), poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid), poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) or their amphyphilic derivatives. A thorough study of the whole process of silver nanoparticles production including formation of polymeric silver salt and stabilization of nanoparticles has been carried out. The degree of cooperativity of copolymer silver ions binding process and binding capacity of copolymers with respect to silver ions was calculated.