The present study investigates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles through the method of reverse emulsions using the precursor of AgNO3 and the reduction agent of hydrazine. The influence of several surfactants with different Hydrophile–Lipophile Balance (HLB) on the size distribution and morphology of synthesized nanoparticles was also studied. The nonionic surfactants of Span 80 and PEG 1000, the anionic surfactant of sodium dodecyl sulfate, and the cationic surfactant of cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide were examined. The produced silver nanoparticles were characterized using methods of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectropho- tometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ...