Silver nanoparticles synthesized from mesoporous Ag/SBA-15 composites

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by removing silica from mesoporous Ag/SBA-15 composites. The results of nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy indicated that Ag nanoparticles existed in the pore channels of SBA-15. Ag nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 2.5-5.5 nm and a narrow size distribution were confirmed by atomic force microscope images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. UV-vis spectroscopy showed a broad emission peak of Ag nanoparticles centered at ca. 438 nm.