Small size AgX (X ) Br, Cl) nanoparticles have been synthesized by a novel solid-solid reaction performed by mixing two dry dispersions of AgNO 3 and KX nanoparticles in AOT/n-heptane solutions. UV-vis investigation ascertained that formation of nanosized particles taking place after the mixing process is fast and complete. Microcalorimetric measurements of the thermal effect coupled with the mixing process suggest the occurrence of confinement effects and adsorption of the surfactant molecules at the nanoparticle surface, hinting at formation of charged nonstoichiometric surfactant-coated nanoparticles. The analysis of SAXS spectra shows that salt-containing AOT reversed micelles are slightly bigger and more polydisperse than bare AOT ones. After the mixing process, from all liquid samples, interesting AgX/AOT composites at high AgX nanoparticle concentration can be prepared by simple evaporation of the organic solvent. Size, polydispersity, and crystal structure of AgX nanoparticles embedded in AOT matrix were determined by WAXS and TEM.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.