Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Decomposition of a Silver Organic Complex with Valence Tautomerism and Their Properties

Features of the formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) via intramolecular redox transformation of the Ag(I) complex of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde isonicotinoylhydrazone in organic solvents with donor numbers DN > 19 were studied. The stability of the organic sols depended on the nature of the dispersion medium and the presence of oxygen and water in it. The physical chemistry and morphology of the Ag-NP in the organic sol were investigated using molecular absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The silver sol consisted of spherical Ag-NPs 5–20 nm in size with a characteristic absorption band near 440 nm. It was found that the silver complex with valence tautomerism was a promising precursor for Ag-NPs. The synthesized Ag-NPs showed high antimicrobial activity compared with standard antibiotics and Ag-containing agents (MIC = 0.007 μmol/mL).