Synthesis of Transition Metal Nanoperticles Dispersed Silicate Glass Micro Spheres by Spray Pyrolysis

Abstract

Tetraethyl orthosilicate, boric acid and nitrate of Fe, Ni and Cu were dissolved in acetone or acetone-EtOH mixed solvent. These solutions were sprayed ultrasonically, and the mists were carried into a reaction tube with the atmospheric gas of N ₂., N ₂.-NH ₃., or Ar-H ₂..They were dried and pyrolyzed at 373-873K to form product particles. The products were characterized by XRD, TG-DTA, FE-SEM, and TEM. Although the as-prepared particles contained some undecomposed species, metal nano particles dispersed silicate glass micro spheres could be obtained by post-annealing at 973K in N₂.-H₂. stream. The size of metal particles ranged about 10nm or less, mainly depending on the atmosphere.