Abstract
Three kinds of amino-functional mesoporous silica thin films (AF-MSTFs) have been directly synthesised by the sol–gel dip coating. The Fourier transform infrared spectra show that the amino groups are introduced into the nanopores of AF-MSTFs successfully by co-condensation technology. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterisations find that the AF-MSTFs prepared by different surfactants have highly ordered mesostructures with different nanopore sizes and morphologies. By using AF-MSTFs as templates, associated with neutralisation reaction and hydrogen reduction, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are formed well within the mesostructures with a narrow size distribution, which is verified by the observation of XRD, TEM and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. Ultraviolet–visible spectra of the nanocomposites are additional evidence of the existence of GNPs. What is more, they imply that the size effect of GNPs and the structure variation of AF-MSTFs can modulate the optical properties of the nanocomposites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
