Synthesis and characterization of Ag and Ag-SiO2 nanoparticles

Ag-oleate complex was prepared by the reaction of AgNO3 with sodium oleate in water solution. The thermal decomposition of prepared Ag oleate complex was analyzed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the crystallization process was also observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ag nanoparticles have been prepared by thermal decomposition using electric furnace called autoclave at 300 degrees C for about 4 h. TEM images of the particles showed two-dimensional assembly of particles with diameter of 8.0 +/- 1.3 nm, demonstrating the uniformity of these nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum and XRD peaks of the nanoparticles showed the highly crystalline nature of the Ag structures. Ag-SiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the well-known Stober method. Results show a dense coverage of silica nanospheres of about 200 nm size with homogeneously arranged Ag nanoparticles deposited on SiO2 nanoparticles. Ag-SiO2 nanoparticles were investigated with TEM images. EDX spectrum. UV-vis spectrophotometer. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.