Concurso
2015
Oxide Microparticles (MOx) decorated with Silver Nanoparticles: Study of Nucleation and Growth during the decoration process
Micaela Alejandra Macchione
University of Texas at San Antonio
We have developed a simple method to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) attached to oxide microparticles in a one-pot/one-step synthesis, with potential applications in orthopedic implants, solar cell production energy, catalysts. Since controlling AgNPs morphology shapes chemical/physical properties, then to study nucleation/growth of AgNPs becomes a top priority during the stay in USA. Thus, the objective is to study the experimental factors (medium polarity, pH, temperature, concentrations, convection conditions) influencing the AgNPs nucleation and growth over different substrates (SiO2, TiO2), by characterizing different stages of these processes with HRTEM, STEM, EELS, EDS, X-ray diffraction. The results will be relevant in the development of the PhD thesis of the applicant.