Abstract
A new route to synthesize silver nanoparticles via vapor-solid reaction growth (VSRG) is reported. Employing AgCl to react with (Me 3 Si) 4 Si in a sealed tube (433-673 K) generates silver particles (diameter ≥ 10 μm). Addition of polydimethylsiloxnae (PDMS) to the reaction dramatically reduces the particle size (diameter 60-1200 nm). Moreover, formation of silver nanorods and nanocubes was discovered in some reaction conditions. Adding PDMS and varying the reaction temperature were the key factors influencing the Ag particle size.