Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) is a polymer capable of complexing and stabilizing Ag andAunanoparticles
formed through the reduction of Ag+ or AuCl4 - ions with N,N-dimethylformamide. The reduction can be
efficiently performed both at reflux and under microwave irradiation, but each of these methods leads to
different nanoparticle morphology and colloid stability. The use of microwave irradiation provides an extra
degree of control of the reduction process. The use of PVP with different polymer chain lengths leads to
particles with similar sizes though with a different degree of stability. The colloids are also stable in
ethanol for months, but only marginally stable in water.