Preparation of nano and microcrystals of silver using titania xerogel matrix as template

Ag-doped TiO2 wet gels were prepared by sol–gel process using a mixture of titanium isopropoxide and silver nitrate as precursor solution, with Ag:Ti molar ratio of 1:6. After drying, the titanium oxide xerogels were used as template in the preparation of nano and microcrystals of metallic silver. The porous network and the structure of the titania matrix influenced the type and distribution of silver crystal produced on the composite surface. Silver nanoparticles segregated to the surface of titania xerogel during the heating step, giving rise to nanocrystals that coalesced forming microcrystals with different shapes and faceting. The microcrystals grew on the composite surface, reaching sizes between 5 and 20 microns and self-organized of different ways. The xerogel heated at 600 °C formed by anatase, rutile and silver nanoparticles exhibited considerable photocatalytic activity to degrade methylene blue.