Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) stabilized nano silver particles by a mechanochemical assisted ball mill process

Nano silver particles with an average mean crystallite size of between 10 and 12 nm were synthesized from different molecular weights of poly(ethylene glycol) as a stabilizing agents, through solid state oxidation of silver nitrate using a higher energy planetary ball mill. Ultraviolet-Visible spectra were used to confirm the synthesis of nano silver particles. The surface plasmon resonance bands were observed around 410 nm. Fourier transformed infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electronic microscopy techniques were used to characterize the nano silver particles synthesized. Thermal stability was determined using thermogravimetic analysis and the elemental composition of the sample was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The nano silver particles synthesized, exhibited very good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Based on the obtained results, it was additionally explored that the size and the stabilization of the nano silver particles synthesized, strongly depend on the molecular weight of poly(ethylene glycol).