J. Blendell—contributing editor
1551-2916/asset/olbannerleft.jpg?v=1&s=d37423898816c9949d8f7e8da83c6ecc4d1e2629)
1551-2916/asset/olbannerright.jpg?v=1&s=9dfbb2c9eba41216f8fe41682f0e96729e1ed615)
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles and Titanium Oxide Nanofibers: Toward Multifibrous Nanocomposites
Article first published online: 24 MAR 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2010.03798.x
© 2010 The American Ceramic Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ochanda, F. O. and Barnett, M. R. (2010), Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles and Titanium Oxide Nanofibers: Toward Multifibrous Nanocomposites. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 93: 2637–2643. doi: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2010.03798.x
This work was supported by Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Fellowship, Deakin University.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 MAR 2010
- Article first published online: 24 MAR 2010
- Manuscript No. 26863. Received October 21, 2009; approved March 18, 2010.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
A new method was investigated to produce new multiscale fibrous nanocomposites comprised of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanofibers and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). The process involved electrospinning TiO2 precursor solution containing colloidal solution of Ag NPs, and organic solvent (dimethyl-n′n-formamide) to fabricate a porous, nonwoven, free-standing nanofiber mesh. Postprocess heating of the electrospun nanofibers entailed calcination in air environment at 500°C for 3 h. Microemulsion processing was used to generate NPs of Ag in a monodispersed distribution throughout the colloidal solution. X-ray diffraction data were consistent with the anatase phase of TiO2, while transmission electron microscopy and hydrogen desorption measurements revealed a very porous microstructure. It was demonstrated that NP colloidal stability is solvent dependent. It is anticipated that incorporation of metal particles in nanofibers will lead to enhanced photocurrent generation, when used in functional devices.