Synthesis of Aerogel-Metal Cluster Composites by Gamma Radiolysis

Abstract

Noble metal clusters (Ag, Au) were formed in a silica aerogel matrix by gamma irradiation of hydrogel precursors loaded with aqueous solutions containing Ag÷ or [AuCI 4 -ions. Hydrogels exposed to gamma rays assumed the color expected for colloidal suspensions of Ag (respectively Au) clusters. The hydrogels were subsequently washed and supercritically dried, without any evident change in color, indicating that the metal clusters were not removed during drying. Typical gamma ray doses were between 3 and 3.5 kGy, and achieved complete reduction of hydrogels containing metal ion concentrations in the l0-4-1-3 M range. Metal clusters in the aerogel monoliths were characterized with optical absorption, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These techniques have shown that the clusters have a crystalline fcc structure. Au clusters consist of pure Au, while surface oxidation of Ag clusters was observed with XPS.