Sodium titanate nanostructures loaded with Ag0 nanoparticles were synthesized from anatase TiO2 doped with Ag+ and NaOH(aq) under hydrothermal conditions. In alkaline media reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 took place and their formation prevented the growth of sodium titanate nanotubes. Instead of nanotubes half rolled sodium titanate slabs were formed. HAADF-STEM characterization revealed that Ag0 nanoparticles are homogenously distributed on titanate matrix. Their diameter ranges from 3 to 5 nm. By an ion exchange process sodium ions were exchanged with H3O+ in a solution of acetic acid. Further thermal treatment at 400 °C in a reductive atmosphere transformed protonated titanate slabs into TiO2 slabs loaded with Ag0 nanoparticles. The ion exchange process slightly reduced the average diameter of Ag0 nanoparticles (24 nm) when compared to the diameter of Ag0 nanoparticles in the as synthesized sample.
COBISS.SI-ID: 25576231