Fabrication and characterization of silver-doped silica composite membranes by a reverse micelle and Sol-Gel process

Abstract

Ag-doped SiO2 composites nano-powders were synthesized by a reverse micelle and sol-gel process. The average particle size of the mixed sol was below 25 nm and was well dispersed in the solution. TEM results show the microstructure of Ag- doped SiO2 nanoparticles was homogeneous and Ag was below 5 nm and Ag was well dispersed in the ceramic nano-particles. Agdoped SiO2 composite membranes were fabricated by a sol-gel process. Ag-doped SiO2 composite membranes showed a crackfree microstructure and a narrow particle size distribution even after heat treatment up to 500℃. The average particle size of the membrane was 30-40 nm, and the pore size of Ag-doped SiO2 nano composite membranes was below 10 nm. The particle size of Ag after heat treatment at 500℃was below 5 nm.