Synthesis and characterization of metallic Pd embedded TiO2 nanoparticles by reverse micelle and sol-gel processing

Metallic Pd clusters were embedded into TiO2 nanoparticles that were synthesized within reverse micelle via a solution reduction of Pd(NO3)2 by hydrazine hydrate. The size of the particles can be controlled by manipulating the relative rates of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of titanium tetra-isopropoxide within the micro-emulsion. The spherical equivalent size for the Pd clusters formed in TiO2 matrix was estimated to be around (3±1) nm. The presence of Pd in the matrix was demonstrated by EDS spectroscopy. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as the concentration of Pd solution, the molar ratio of water to TIP, and the molar ratio of water to surfactant, were discussed.