Fabrication of silver nanoparticles via self-regulated reduction by 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles exhibiting antimicrobial properties via self-regulated reduction were successfully prepared by using hydroxylated ionic liquids in an aqueous phase without additives. A new water-phase synthesis of silver nanoparticles using 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HEMIm][BF4]) and 1-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-3-dodecylimidazolium chloride ([C(12)HEMIm][Cl]) was described. 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate serves as both a reductant and a stabilizer in this fabrication. Furthermore, we presented the antimicrobial properties of the resulting silver nanoparticles through the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) test.