Rapid synthesis of Ag nanoparticles-embedded mesoporous silica via solution plasma and its catalysis for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

The rapid synthesis of Ag nanoparticles-embedded mesoporous silica (AgNP@SiO2) was completed within a one-pot process in which a discharge occurred in solution of the substances utilized for synthesizing mesoporous silica (tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), P123 block copolymer) and various Ag precursor concentrations (AgNO3: 1, 5, and 10mM). The solidification of the polysilicate network via hydrolysis and condensation during sol–gel reaction could be rapidly achieved after discharge at 3min. The morphology of rope-like particles with hexagonal mesopore arrangements was observed using electron microscopy. The catalytic activity of AgNP@SiO2 particles with high surface areas for 4-nitrophenol reduction was investigated under sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution with reaction time dependence. The results showed that reduction of concentrated 4-nitrophenol (0.25mM) was completed at 12min using AgNP@SiO2 from 10mM Ag precursor.