Clay-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles exhibiting low-temperature melting

Nanohybrids of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) supported on mica clay were synthesized by in situ reduction of silver nitrate in an aqueous solution. The required mica platelets of high aspect ratio were previously prepared by the exfoliation of mica clay stacks in a multilayered structure through an ionic exchange reaction with poly(oxypropylene)-amine-salt. The exfoliated nanoscale mica platelets (Mica) are polydispersed such that each platelet is 300-1000 nm in width and 1 nm in thickness. These platelets possess ionic charges in the form of ≡SiO(-)Na(+) at 120 mequiv/100 g and are suitable for supporting AgNPs in the process of in situ reduction of silver nitrate. Transmission electronic microscopy revealed the formation of AgNPs with a narrow size distribution of ca. 8 nm in diameter on the rim of individual Mica platelets. However, the pristine layered Mica structure without exfoliation failed to produce a fine AgNP distribution but instead generated particles larger than 30 nm and some precipitates. Characterization by differential scanning calorimetry and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the fine AgNPs on Mica platelets exhibited a low melting temperature of 110 °C. The AgNP/Mica nanohybrid not containing an organic dispersant is considered to be a "naked" silver particle.