In this study, four kinds of Ag nano-particles were synthesized with poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), polyaniline (PAN), L-cysteine (L-cys), and oleic acid (OA) as modified groups. The properties of these Ag nano-particles were characterized by several techniques. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation show four samples were close to monodisperse spherical with diameters about 7, 3, 10, and 5 nm, respectively. The interplanar spacing was calculated and the crystal was discussed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. Both Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and thermogravimetry (TG)-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has revealed the binding group of four molecules on Ag nano-particle's surface. After the Ag nanoparticles (NPs) deposited onto the substrate, surface modifier would collapse on the particle surface. Ag nanoparticles are easier to self-aggregate for the weaker binding of surface modifier. As a result, the conductive film is formed. The effect of modified group and temperature were discussed on the conductivity of the silver films. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.