Size optimization of silver nanoparticles synthesized by gelcasting using the Taguchi method

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by decomposition of AgNO3 via gelcasting. Methacrylamide was used as a low toxic monomer for gel formation. Effect of monomer content (MAM), cross-linker to monomer ratio (MBAM/MAM), silver salt to monomer ratio (AgNO3/MAM), duration of calcination, and temperature of calcination were investigated to optimize the size of nanoparticles. Taguchi method was applied to study the effect of gelcasting parameters on the size of silver nanoparticles. Mentioned parameters were surveyed at four levels and based on the Taguchi method 16 experiments were carried out. Silver nanoparticles were characterized, and average particle sizes were measured by SEM analysis. By using the signal to noise ratio (S/N) analysis of the results, it is revealed that monomer content is the most effective parameter on size of particles. Also, optimal values of monomer content, cross-linker to monomer ratio, silver salt to monomer ratio, duration of calcination and temperature of calcination for the minimum particle size were found to be 4.25 g (in 20 g water), 1:3, 1:15, 6 h and 650⁰C, respectively. An evaluation test was performed with the optimal value of parameters, and suitable agreement between the prediction and experimental results was observed.