In-Situ Formation of Silver Nanoparticles on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Coated Polystyrene Microspheres

The formation of Ag nanoparticles on polystyrene microspheres coated with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is reported. It is shown that well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles are formed in situ on the surface of the microspheres (see Figure). The surface-grafted PNIPAAm chains are concluded to not only serve as steric stabilizers but also promote adsorption of the Ag nanoparticles.