Rapid synthesis of Ag nanoparticles-embedded mesoporous silica via solution plasma and its catalysis for 4-nitrophenol reduction

The rapid synthesis of Ag nanoparticles-embedded mesoporous silica (AgNP@SiO2) was completed within a one-pot process in which a discharge occurred in solution of the substances utilized for synthesizing mesoporous silica (tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), P123 block copolymer) and various Ag precursor concentrations (AgNO3: 1, 5, and 10 mM). The solidification of the polysilicate network via hydrolysis and condensation during sol–gel reaction could be rapidly achieved after discharge at 3 min. The morphology of rope-like particles with hexagonal mesopore arrangements was observed using electron microscopy. The catalytic activity of AgNP@SiO2 particles with high surface areas for 4-nitrophenol reduction was investigated under sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution with reaction time dependence. The results showed that reduction of concentrated 4-nitrophenol (0.25 mM) was completed at 12 min using AgNP@SiO2 from 10 mM Ag precursor.

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► Rapid synthesis of mesoporous silica is completed by SPP.
► Ag nanoparticles–embedded mesoporous silica is rapidly synthesized by SPP.
► The well–ordered 2D hexagonal mesopores and Ag nanoparticles are observed.
► Rope–like particles with high surface areas are observed.
► The catalytic activity of 4–nitrophenol reduction can be enhanced using samples.