The mechanism of stabilization of silver nanoparticles by chitosan in carbonic acid solutions

The aim of the current study was to investigate the growth mechanisms of the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in chitosan macrogels and microgels acting both as reductants and stabilizing agents in self-neutralizing, biocompatible, and environmentally benign carbonic acid solutions. The chitosan-hydroquinone microgels loaded with Ag NPs incorporated in carbonic acid solutions were successfully prepared. However, it was found that during the...