Effect of surface properties of SBA-15 on confined Ag nanomaterials via double solvent technique

SBA-15 with different surface properties as support for incorporating Ag nanomaterials into the mesochannels by a double solvent technique has been studied. In the double solvent technique, n-hexane is used as a hydrophobic solvent and an AgNO3 aqueous solution is used as a hydrophilic solvent. The surface properties of SBA-15 are adjusted by trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxyl silane (APTES). The samples are characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, FT-IR spectra and UV–Vis spectra. The results show that Ag nanowires or nanorods are formed in these samples and the surface properties of SBA-15 have important effects on the morphology and loading amount of Ag nanomaterials. When SBA-15 with the methyl on the external surface and amine on the internal surface is used as a template, extensive Ag nanorods with the length of tens to hundreds of nanometers are obtained. The modification of methyl on the external surface and the amine on the internal surface can favor the incorporation of Ag. The reasons for the effects of surface properties on the morphology are investigated and proposed.

Different morphologies of Ag have been successfully confined within functionalized SBA-15 by a simple double solvent method. The morphology and loading amount of Ag can be controlled by the surface properties of SBA-15.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Ag nanomaterials within modified SBA-15 have been synthesized via a double solvent technique.
► Adjusting the surface properties of SBA-15 leads to Ag nanomaterials with different morphology and loading amount.
► The modification of the surfaces of SBA-15 may facilitate the incorporation of AgNO3 and reduce its decomposition temperature as well.