Investigating Metal Nanoparticle Formation and Dynamics in Ionic Liquids

In this work, we investigate plasma-synthesis of silver nanoparticles through the reduction of dissolved metal salts in an ionic liquid by reactive plasma species. The goal of this work is to understand the effects of voltage and liquid mixing on nanoparticle nucleation and growth. Silver nanoparticles are synthesized in a DC discharge at different voltages with one electrode immersed in the ionic liquid solution. The resulting nanoparticles are separated from the liquid and observed in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, we studied the dynamics of pre-fabricated gold nanoparticles suspended in ionic liquids under electron irradiation in the SEM to understand the parameters that affect mixing. Our results show an increase in particle velocity with electron beam voltage and a variation in the speed depending on where the particle is located within the field of view. The results suggest that the electric field from the SEM contributes to liquid mixing and particle motion. The insights from this research aim to enhance the understanding of nanoparticle synthesis mechanisms and the factors governing particle characteristics in plasma-ionic liquid systems.