Abstract
Au doped silica glass was fabricated by use of SiO2–PVA nanocomposite. Porous inorganic–organic nanocomposite, which has nanometer sized pores, was prepared from fumed silica and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). HAuCl4 solution impregnated the porous SiO2–PVA nanocomposite, and then Au ion was reduced and Au metal nanoparticles were formed by heat treatment. After combustion of PVA, SiO2 nanoparticles were sintered and Au particle growth were occurred above 800°C, and then bulk Au nanoparticles doped silica glasses were obtained by sintering at 1100°C for 6 h in air. Au particle size and concentration in the silica glass are increased with the concentration of the HAuCl4 solution. Au doped bulk silica glass was obtained without gold escape from the surface.
