Synthesis and characterization of Ag/Pd doped SiO2 nanoparticles by a reverse micelle and sol–gel processing

Ag–Pd doped SiO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized within reverse micelle via metal alkoxide hydrolysis and condensation. The size of the particles can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of TEOS within the microemulsion. The average size of synthesized particles was about in the size range of 5–20 nm and Ag–Pd particles 1–5 nm. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the concentration of Ag/Pd solution, the molar ratio of water to TEOS, and the molar ratio of water to surfactant, are discussed.