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 °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. 2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the well-known Stöber 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.