Structural evolution of the SiO2-Ag system prepared by the Sol-gel process with incorporation of Ag particles the Sol-gel

Abstract

showed an evolution from SiO2 amorphous matrix to the cristobalite phase with the annealing treatment at around 800 ºC for one hour. This structural evolution was obtained at lower Ag concentration up 0.7 %vol. Two series of samples were studied, A) series using HNO3 and B) series using HCl as catalytic agent; in both series grenetine was used as a dispersing agent to avoid the precipitation of Ag particles. We found the incorporation of silver in the xerogeles matrix promotes the devitrification process at relatively low temperatures with the presence of partial crystallization in form of cistobalite. This structure was produced by controlling the catalytic agent quoted in the preparation process. The EPR and UV-Vis absorption spectra show the presence of Fe3+ ions as a contaminant in the source of the Ag particles, due to the process to obtain these particles. By means the IR spectra a high (OH-) concentration at higher temperatures was observed in this system, until 600 ºC at difference of the sol-gel glasses made with incorporation of Ag particles by nitrates. The color evolution of the coating samples with the annealing temperature varies from a light brown at 100 ºC to yellow at 500 ºC.