Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles within silica: Synthesis and characterization

► Method to synthesize metal nanoparticles within silica matrix by an intercalation of Palladium tetrammine cations into Na ilerite. ► Tuning the Pd / PdO content in the intercalates by selectively changing the calcination medium (N2 or air). ► High Pd loadings (up to 18 mass %) and well dispersed nanoparticles of particle size 8-10 nm are realized.