Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle/kaolinite composites

Ag nanoparticles were synthetized in the interlamellar space of a layered kaolinite clay mineral. Disaggregation of the lamellae of non-swelling kaolinite was achieved by intercalation of dimethyl sulfoxide. The kaolinite was suspended in aqueous AgNO3 solution and, after adsorption of Ag+, the ions were reduced with NaBH4. The interlamellar space limits particle growth (dave=3.8–4.2 nm); however, larger silver particles may be formed on the exterior surface of kaolinite with dave=5.6–10.5 nm diameter. The diameter of the particles prepared in this way is depending on the initial AgNO3 concentration. The silver nanoparticles prepared were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM).