Gold and iron nanoparticles in mesoporous silicas: Preparation and characterization

Gold and iron oxide nanoparticles in mesoporous silicas are prepared and characterized by N2-physisorption, XRD, TEM-EDAX, UV–Vis and Moessbauer spectroscopies. Their reductive behaviour and catalytic properties in ethylacetate combustion are also tested. The dispersion and intimate contact between the obtained gold and iron particles are affected not only by the preparation method and pretreatment temperature used, but could be successfully regulated by the pore accessibility of the host matrix.