The simple and facile methods to improve dispersion stability of nanoparticles: Different chain length alkylcarboxylate mixtures

The dispersion stability of a Ag nanoparticle with a mixed surfactant of different chain length alkylcarboxylates showed improved dispersion stability compared with those with normal alkylcarboxylates. The dispersion stability of the Ag nanoparticles with a mixed surfactant of alkylcarboxylates was quantitatively examined, compared with those of the Ag nanoparticles with a single molecule surfactant of alkylcarboxylates. The nanoparticles with a mixed surfactants have far-improved dispersion stability compared with those with normal alkylcarboxylates. The surface roughness of the surfactant layer might be responsible for the improved dispersion stability through the enhanced solvent–surfactant interaction and the decrease in inter-particle surfactant interactions.