Synthesis of monodisperse spherical AgNPs by ultrasound-intensified Lee-Meisel method, and quick evaluation via machine learning

•Monodisperse and spherical AgNPs were successfully prepared by UILM method.•The formation process of AgNPs was affected by fluid dynamics and chemical effects.•Uncontrolled secondary nucleation and particle growth processes could be inhibited.•Machine learning approach was available for quick evaluation. Due to the high reactivity of Ag+ and uncontrolled growth process, the AgNPs produced by conventional Lee-Meisel method always exhibited larger particle size (30–200 nm) and polydisperse morphology (including spherical, triangular, and rod-like shape). An ultrasound-intensified Lee-Meisel (UILM) method is developed in this study to environmental-friendly and controllable synthesize monodisperse spherical AgNPs (~3.7 nm). Effects of Ag:citrate ratio (1:3 or 5:4), ultrasound power (300 to 1200 W) and reaction time (4 to 24 min) on the physical–chemical properties of AgNPs are investigated systematically. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, UV–Vis spectra, average particle size, zeta potential and pH value all demonstrate that crystallization and digestive ripening processes are facilitated in the presence of ultrasound irradiation. Therefore, both chemical reaction rate and mass transfer rate are enhanced to accelerate primary nucleation and inhibit uncontrolled particle growth, leading to the formation of monodisperse spherical AgNPs. Moreover, a machine learning approach - Decision Tree Regressor in conjunction with Shapley value analysis reveal the concentration of reactants is a more important feature affecting the particle.