Supported Silver Nanoparticles Research Articles

Preparation of modified silica gel supported silver nanoparticles and its evaluation using zone of inhibition for water disinfection

In this work, preparation of modified silica gel supported silver nanoparticles and its evaluation using zone of inhibition for water disinfection were investigated. The silica contents of the teff straw [TS] and teff straw ash [TSA] are 5.92 and 92.21 %, respectively. The calcinated TS ash at 700 °C was mixed with NaOH solution. The solution is then neutralized with HCl solution and then gel formation using the sol gel method. The silica gel yield was recorded and characterized. The SG with major silica functional group, amorphous structure, high porosity from the morphology, high surface area of 807.163 m2/g, pore volume of 0.34 cm3/g, pore diameter of 1.70 nm and silica gel purity of 99.39 % were achieved at a calcination temperature of 700 °C. It is then; further modified using trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS)/ethanol/hexane at different volumetric ratio and the resulting product is modified silica gel (MSG). MSG has excellent hydrophobic properties that have been required during water treatment. In this method, MSG with a major silica functional group, well ordered structure due to the TMCS modifier, maximum surface area of 510.40 m2/g was achieved at volumetric ratio of 0.25:0.25:1 of TMCS/ethanol/hexane, respectively. Then, MSG supported AgNPs (MSG-AgNPs) was prepared by mixing different concentrations of AgNPs-MSG and characterized. The MSG-AgNPs have shown AgNPs on the surface of MSG from the EDX result, different absorbance, pore from the morphology, with a maximum surface area of 475.0 m2/g was obtained at 1.5 mM of AgNPs concentrations. The performance of MSG-AgNPs was evaluated using zone of inhibition measurement and batch disinfection studies against E. coli and S. aureus. At 1.5 x 108 CFU/mL initial bacterial concentrations, the maximum inhibition zone diameter was 12.80 and 14.30 mm for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively.

A Three-Dimensional Azo-Bridged Porous Porphyrin Framework Supported Silver Nanoparticles as the State-of-the-Art Catalyst for the Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Alcohols with CO2 under Ambient Conditions

A Three-Dimensional Azo-Bridged Porous Porphyrin Framework Supported Silver Nanoparticles as the State-of-the-Art Catalyst for the Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Alcohols with CO₂ under Ambient Conditions

Graphitic carbon nitride supported silver nanoparticles (AgNPs/g-C3N4): synthesis and photocatalytic behavior in the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

Graphitic carbon nitride supported silver nanoparticles (AgNPs/g-C3N4) with 1%, 3%, and 5% AgNPs were successfully synthesized by an "ex situ" method with ultrasound of a mixture of AgNP solution and g-C3N4. The AgNP solution was prepared by chemical reduction with trisodium citrate, and g-C3N4 was synthesized from the urea precursor. The supported nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET), Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Nyquist plots. The visible light-driven photocurrent measurement was performed by three on-off cycles of intermittent irradiation. The analyses show that AgNPs were evenly dispersed on g-C3N4, and have sizes ranging from 40 to 50 nm. The optical properties of the AgNPs/g-C3N4 material were significantly enhanced due to the plasmonic effect of AgNPs. The photocatalytic activity of catalysts was evaluated by 2,4-D degradation under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). In the reaction conditions: pH 2.2; C o (2,4-D) 40 ppm; a m/v ratio of 0.5 g L-1, AgNPs/g-C3N4 materials exhibit superior photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine g-C3N4. The studies on the influence of free radicals and photogenerated holes, h+, show that ˙OH, O2˙-, and h+ play decisive roles in the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs/g-C3N4. The TOC result indicates the minimal toxicity of the by-products formed during the 2,4-D degradation. In addition, the AgNPs/g-C3N4 catalytic activity under direct sunlight irradiation was similar to that under artificial UV irradiation. Based on these results, a possible mechanism is proposed to explain the enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability of AgNPs/g-C3N4. Theoretical calculations on the interaction between 2,4-D and g-C3N4, Ag/g-C3N4 was also performed. The calculated results show that the adsorption of 2,4-D on Ag-modified g-C3N4 is significantly more effective compared to pristine g-C3N4.

Supported silver nanoparticles over Metronidazole modified-single walled carbon nanotubes for overcoming anti-microbial properties, anti-cancer effect, and apoptosis induction on human gastric cancer cell line

One of the most important goals of current research in the medical field is to identify treatments for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cancer. The latest developments in nanotechnology have provided opportunities to develop novel nanomaterials that can overcome the limitations of current treatments. In this regard, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered potential nano-tools with attractive implications. The analysis of MTZ/SWCNT/AgNPs in this study was done using different techniques, including SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and EDX. Antibacterial activity was assessed for MTN/SWCNT/AgNPs against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of MTZ/SWCNTs/AgNPs on mitochondrial and apoptotic activities in human gastric cancer (AGS) were evaluated. Overall, new CNTs were produced efficiently. MTZ/SWCNTs/AgNPs are considered efficient antibacterial and anticancer agents for biological applications.

Polydopamine-modified Zn–Al-layered double hydroxide supported silver nanoparticles as recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for reduction of 4-nitrophenol

This article introduces the design and synthesis of Ag NP garlanded polydopamine (PDA)-functionalized Zn–Al-layered double hydroxide (Zn-Al LDH@PDA) as a hybrid green nanocomposite material, hitherto unreported. The precursor Zn-Al LDH@PDA acted as a suitable shelter and stabilizing support for the in situ generated Ag NPs. The electron rich amino functions over the PDA facilitated the toxic reagent free green reduction of Ag ions in situ. A diverse range of advanced methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), N2 adsorption–desorption, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were employed to analyze the physicochemical features of the Zn-Al LDH@PDA/Ag nanomaterial. Catalytic performance of the Zn-Al LDH@PDA/Ag nanocomposite was subsequently appraised in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The reactions were evaluated through time dependent UV–Vis spectroscopic study which proved the excellent potential of the catalyst. The Zn-Al LDH@PDA/Ag NPs nanocatalyst was isolated by centrifuge and stable enough to be reused for 8 consecutive times without considerable loss in activity.

Synthesis and evaluation of the anti-bacterial effect of modified silica gel supported silver nanoparticles on E. coli and S. aureus

Scientists are looking for new antibacterial agents to disinfect point-of-use water sources due to the dearth of clean drinking water in developing nations and disaster areas. Because of the growth of antibiotic and disinfectant resistance as well as the emergence of multiple unfavorable effects brought on by using current antibacterial agents like chlorine compounds, this is the case. Because of their antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become a useful replacement for other nanomaterials. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of AgNPs embedded in modified silica gel (MSG). It was used to kill Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and to test its efficacy in water purification in a batch and zone of inhibition system. Trimethyl chlorosilane (TMCS) was used to modify MSG, which was then ground into powder using a process known as the ambient dry method. Using a reagent made from Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract, AgNPs were prepared using a green technique. With the aid of FT-IR, BET, XRD, SEM/EDX, and UV–vis spectrophotometers, the MSG supported by AgNPs was studied. E. coli and S. aureus were tested for their antibacterial abilities in MSG supplements with AgNPs samples. AgNPs have excellent antibacterial properties that enable zone inhibition and batch system tests with MSG. Batch system tests showed that both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms decreased effectively after 10 min of exposure. Zone inhibition tests indicated that MSG with AgNPs was effective against both kinds of bacteria.

Continuous synthesis of boron-doped carbon nitride supported silver nanoparticles in an ultrasound-assisted coiled flow inverter microreactor

Continuous synthesis of boron-doped carbon nitride supported silver nanoparticles in an ultrasound-assisted coiled flow inverter microreactor

Development of environmentally friendly catalyst Ag-ZnO@cellulose acetate derived from discarded cigarette butts for reduction of organic dyes and its antibacterial applications

The release of harmful organic dyes from different industries besides its degradation products is a major contributor to environmental contamination. The catalytic reduction of these organic pollutants using nanocomposites based on polymeric material presents potential advantages for the environment. In this study, novel nanocomposite based on cellulose acetate (CA)-derived from discharged cigarette butts and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was prepared utilizing a very simple and low-cost solution blending method and used as support for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). A simple reduction method was used to anchor different percentages of Ag NPs on the ZnO@CA nanocomposite surface via utilizing sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. The Ag-ZnO@CA nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The TEM analysis showed spherical Ag NPs, with an average diameter of ∼17.6 nm, were uniformly anchored on the ZnO@CA nanocomposite surface. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated as catalysts for the reduction of organic dyes in water. It was found that 10 % Ag-ZnO@CA nanocomposite showed a remarkable reduction of Rhodamine B (RhB), Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), Methylene Blue (MB), and Sunset Yellow (SY) dyes in short time. In the presence of this nanocomposite, the rate constant, kapp values for RhB, Rh6G, MB, and SY were 0.3498 min−1, 1.51 min−1, 0.2292 min−1, and 0.733 min−1, respectively. This nanocomposite was recovered and reused in five successive cycles, with a negligible loss of its activity. Furthermore, the nanocomposites demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, this study directed attention on recycling of waste material to a valuable nanocomposite and its applications in environmental protection.

Silica supported biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as effective adsorbent and photocatalyst for removal of methylene blue from water

The silica supported silver nanoparticles (Ag@SG) were prepared by wet impregnation of silica gel (SG) using different concentrations of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0.25–5 mM) solution, prepared from Cicer arientinum pod extract. Among them, the Ag@SG composite prepared by using 1.25 mM AgNPs solution (Ag1.25@SG) was found to contain only Ag0 species as nanoparticles, whereas the samples prepared by higher concentrations contained Ag0 as well as Ag+ (silver oxide) species. All the Ag@SG composites including SG, exhibited good adsorption capacity for a cationic dye (methylene blue; MB) in water. However, Ag1.25@SG having only Ag0 species exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of MB under visible light irradiation as compared to other composites. The study reveals that the plasmonic Ag0 species supported on silica are catalytically more active than Ag+ species. Furthermore, the AgNPs (Ag0) in supported form exhibits much higher (∼5-fold) photocatalytic activity than unsupported AgNPs. The synergistic effect of adsorption property of silica surface and plasmonic photocatalytic activity of AgNPs in the synthesized composites was found to be effective for the removal of MB. In addition, the fine dispersion of AgNPs on internal surface of silica provides better activity for photocatalysis. The study shows that this material is a promising adsorbent as well as photocatalyst for the removal of dyes from water.

Green synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite using Pomegranate peel extract for the treatment of ovarian cancer

In this work, we have reported the biogenic supported silver nanoparticles over surface of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles by using Pomegranate peel extract. The extract was used as a green reducing agent and an excellent stabilizer of the synthesized Ag NPs. Physicochemical characterization of the as-synthesized Fe3O4/Ag NPs was carried out through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping (WDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Theanti-ovarian cancer effects of biologically synthesized Fe3O4/Ag NPs against ovarian cancer cell lines were assessed. The anti-ovarian cancer properties of the Fe3O4/Ag NPs could significantly remove NIH: OVCAR-3‎, ES-2‎, TOV-21G cancer cell lines in a time and concentration-dependent manner by MTT assay. The antioxidant activity of Fe3O4/Ag NPs was determined by DPPH method. The Fe3O4/Ag NPs showed the high antioxidant activity according to the IC50 value. It seems that the anti-human ovarian cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects. After clinical study, Fe3O4/Ag NPs bio-composite can be utilized as an efficient drug in the treatment of human ovarian cancer in humans.

Amine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide-supported silver nanoparticles for superior catalytic reduction of organic pollutants.

In this work, a simple and environmentally friendly approach has been followed to synthesize amine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-supported silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) having superior catalytic efficiency towards the reduction of organic pollutants. RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of amino-propyl trimethoxy silane (APTMS)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The structural and morphological characterization of as-synthesized RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid was done by using XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. APTMS plays an important role in controlling the size of anchored AgNPs on the nanohybrid in the present study. The -NH2 groups on the surface of APTMS-modified GO function as effective and well-organized nucleation centers facilitating uniform growth of discrete and smaller-sized spherical AgNPs on the surface of RGO nanosheets. In the absence of APTMS, the nanohybrid comprised of bigger-sized AgNPs with few hundred of nanometers in dimension. The catalytic efficiency of RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid was evaluated for the reduction of two model organic pollutants: 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and methylene blue (MB). Due to the synergistic effects of RGO, APTMS, and Ag components, RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid developed in the present study exhibited superior catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-NP and MB in comparison with previously reported graphene/graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide-supported AgNPs catalysts. The catalytic reduction of 4-NP and MB followed pseudo-unimolecular kinetics and the rate constants were found to be 18.83 × 10-3 s-1 and 131.5 ×10-3 s-1 respectively for 4-NP and MB. Furthermore, RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid showed admirable recyclability with negligible loss in its activity until five recycle runs. The superior catalytic activity, favorable kinetic parameters, and sustained catalytic efficiency after recycling make RGO/AgNPs nanohybrid a promising catalyst for the reduction of organic pollutants in environmental remediation.

Green supported silver nanoparticles over modified reduced graphene oxide: Investigation of its antioxidant and anti-ovarian cancer effects

Abstract A green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated Mentha longifolia root extract-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrid material has been described. Initially, the Mentha longifolia root was coated on GO’s surface. The phytochemicals of the plant acted as reducing agent for reduction of silver ions and GO to form the rGO-Mentha/Ag nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was characterized using FE-SEM, EDX, FT-IR, TEM, elemental mapping, and XRD analysis. The cells treated with rGO-Mentha/Ag nanocomposite were assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti-human ovarian cancer properties on normal (HUVEC) and human ovarian cancer cell lines, i.e., SKOV3 and A2780. The IC50 of rGO-Mentha/Ag nanocomposite were 181.2 and 196.4 µg/mL against SKOV3 and A2780cell lines, respectively. The viability of malignant human ovarian cell line reduced dose-dependently in the presence of rGO-Mentha/Ag nanocomposite. After clinical study, rGO-Mentha/Ag nanocomposite can be introduced as a novel composite in the treatment of human ovarian cancer.

Comparison of antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver-loaded montmorillonite and saponite

Although silver nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial activity, little research has been carried out on what synthesis method provides the most effective particles. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesised via chemical reduction by using silver nitrate as the silver precursor, ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and sodium citrate as the stabilising agent. The solutions were adjusted to several pH values employing sodium hydroxide, citric acid or nitric acid. Dynamic light scattering and absorption spectra in the ultraviolet/visible region characterisation revealed that employing nitric acid to adjust the pH produced more varied and larger silver particle sizes. Then, silver nanoparticles were supported on montmorillonite and saponite through wet impregnation or ion exchange methods. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterisation confirmed that silver nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the clay minerals. Next, the antibacterial activity of the samples was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The free silver nanoparticles did not show any antibacterial activity at 125 mg/L. In contrast, the silver-loaded samples obtained by wet impregnation and with a higher silver content displayed the strongest antibacterial effect. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the samples was determined in GM07492-A cell line by using an XTT colorimetric assay. The calculated IC50 values revealed that the supported silver nanoparticles were barely toxic. Thus, the silver-loaded clay minerals obtained here are promising antibacterial materials with a high-grade safety profile.

γ-Al2O3 supported silver nanoparticle applied in C3H8-SCR: Nanosphere and nanoflake

The γ-Al2O3 support (nanosphere and nanoflake) was used to support Ag nanoparticles and applied in C3H8-SCR to remove NOx. Ag/Al2O3-flake exhibited superior catalytic activity than Ag/Al2O3-sphere in C3H8-SCR. It is found that Al2O3-flake rich in Al octacoordinated ions promoted more Agnδ+ species to disperse on Ag/Al2O3-flake than Ag/Al2O3-sphere. Agnδ+ species could strengthen the low-temperature catalytic activity for HC-SCR while Ag metal particles were unbeneficial since they could promote complete oxidation of hydrocarbon. This was the first time to explore the remarkable effect of Al2O3 intrinsic properties on catalytic activity of alumina-supported catalyst for HC-SCR from the perspective of uniform morphology. Environmental implicationThe number of transport vehicles has increased dramatically during the past decades due to global economic growth. The accompanying concern is the huge consumption of fossil fuels, for example, gasoline and diesel, which speeds up global warming. Internal combustion engines produce toxic emissions, where NOx forms nitric acid in the atmosphere, reacts with HCs to form which causes acidification of land and lakes. Currently, it is urgent to develop a leading deNOx technique for the after-treatment of commercial engine-powered vehicles to meet stringent emission legislations.

Photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in water by biosynthesized silica supported silver nanoparticles

This study reports photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in the presence of silver nanoparticles impregnated over amorphous silica extracted from rice husk through a green approach using Melia Azedarach fruit extract. Various analyses such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to characterize the obtained nanocomposite. Afterward, the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was studied in the removal of CIP from an aqueous solution under natural sunlight irradiation. Moreover, the effect of various parameters such as solution initial pH (3–11), reaction time (30–180min), and catalyst loading (0.03–0.12 g) on degradation efficiency were studied by applying a design of experiment (DOE) methodology. The results indicated the successful synthesis and deposition of Ag nanoparticles over amorphous silica. The results of degradation experiment confirmed the acceptable performance of Ag/silica nanocomposite in photo-degradation of CIP. According to the experimental design, both catalyst loading and reaction time are highly significant; whereas the initial pH is not significant compared to other factors. Moreover, the optimal conditions were determined to be initial pH = 6.7, reaction time = 180 min, and catalyst loading of 0.12 g. By applying these optimal conditions, degradation efficiency reached to 98%. Moreover, the results of kinetic study revealed that the photo-degradation of CIP in presence of Ag/silica nanocomposite obeys a first-order kinetic model. The Ag/silica nanocomposite exhibited a high level of stability as the nanocomposites could preserve their stability after three sequential degradation cycles.

Ligand‐Free Silver Nanoparticles for CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction to CO

AbstractSilver‐based catalysts are attractive for electroreduction of CO2 to CO. To understand the electrocatalyst properties, a good control over the nanoparticle size is necessary. Herein, we report a strategy to synthesize highly dispersed, ligand‐free silver Ag nanoparticles supported on carbon. We demonstrate that the heat treatment atmosphere and carbon surface chemistry are crucial to control the Ag particle size in the 10–30 nm range. Even at low silver loadings (0.099 m2Ag m−2), Ag nanoparticles outperforms the bulk silver at low overpotentials, leading to a 23.5 % CO Faradaic efficiency at −1.2 V vs RHE. The Ag weight‐based activity of the catalysts scales with the inverse particle size, while the Ag surface‐specific activity is independent of the particle size in this range. The supported silver nanoparticles can produce a H2 to CO ratio of 2.9 to 1, interesting for further exploration of this type of catalysts for syngas synthesis.

Willgerodt–Kindler Reaction on Supported Silver Nanoparticles

Key words silver catalysis - catalyst support - Willgerodt–Kindler reaction - thioamides

Al2O3 anchored silver and gold nanoparticles as accessible, stable, and re-usable catalysts

Nanoparticles of silver and gold have become widely researched as homogeneous catalysts for organic transformations. Silver systems have shown promising activity but are often hindered by their instability and difficulty in recycling. In this work we present nanoparticles of silver and gold, colloidally stabilized on aluminum oxide, and their performance as re-useable catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Compared with more standard citrate stabilized catalyst nanoparticles (k = 0.71 and 0.17 min−1 for Ag and Au respectively), the aluminum oxide stabilized systems are significantly more active (k = 1.82 and 0.63 min−1 for Ag and Au respectively) due to increased surface site availability. Importantly, Al2O3 supported silver nanoparticles exhibit excellent activity/re-usability as redox catalysts that are stable across a surprising variation of reaction media, including halide salts.

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates of different epoxides using CO2 as a C1 building block over Ag/TUD-1 mesoporous silica catalyst: A solvent free approach

Utilization of abandoned CO2 that is generated from fossil fuels and industrial sources into valuable chemicals is a smart approach for a greener future. The fixation of CO2 over epoxides and the production of cyclic carbonates is one of the popular CO2 utilization techniques. Silica supported silver nanoparticles have been used before in different important reactions like nitrophenol reduction, alcohol oxidation etc., due to the high surface area, pore size of silica and high activity of the Ag0 species. In this study, Technische Universiteit Delft -1 (TUD-1) is used as silica support for stabilizing silver nanoparticles and CO2 has been converted to cyclic carbonate under solvent less condition. The Lewis acidic nature of the silver particles have aided into the solvent-less CO2 conversion, resulting into the maximum yield of 98% at 60 °C and 1 MPa pressure.

Utilization of Silver Silicate for the Formation of Highly Dispersed Silver on Silica Catalysts

AbstractSupported silver catalysts with small and uniform particle sizes are promising for selective hydrogenation or oxidation reactions. However, during catalyst preparation, transport of the silver precursors often leads to large silver particles, especially at higher silver loadings. In this paper, the use of silver silicate as an intermediate for the preparation of silica‐supported silver nanoparticles is reported. Supported silver silicate was prepared by reacting silver nitrate with silica. Subsequently, the silver silicate was reduced to prepare supported silver nanoparticles of ∼2 nm in size at a loading of 15 wt% Ag. The utilization of silver silicate limited the transport of silver species during precursor decomposition, resulting in silver nanoparticles 20 times smaller than those formed by direct reduction of a supported silver nitrate precursor. The catalysts were applied in carbon monoxide oxidation, which confirmed the high dispersion as well as the excellent stability of the supported silver nanoparticles thus prepared.