Synthesis of biomorphic Al2O3 based on natural plant templates and assembly of Ag nanoparticles controlled within the nanopores

Biomorphic Al2O3 templated with charcoal and cotton is synthesized respectively and Ag nanopaticles are further assembled in the nanopores of biomorphic Al2O3. The morphology and pore structure of biomorphic Al2O3 as well as the size and properties of embedded Ag nanoparticles are characterized by FESEM, TEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption and UV–vis. Biomorphic Al2O3 with two different templates show differences in the nanopore structure, and within the same template, the nanopore structure is also influenced by different synthesizing conditions. The size and distribution of further assembled Ag nanoparticles are in accordance with that of the nanopores of biomorphic Al2O3, and the intensity and position of surface plasma resonance (SPR) effect of Ag nanoparticles are influenced by their size and interaction with biomorphic Al2O3 matrixes.