Synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles assembled in ordered array pores of porous anodic alumina by chemical deposition

Silver nanoparticles were evenly deposited in the pores of freestanding porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates via a chemical route. In the precursor, Ag (+) ions were complexed with ammonia and reduced to Ag by adding an excess amount of acetaldehyde. After tens of minutes of plating at 50 degrees C, well-crystallized Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the pore walls of the porous AAO templates. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to estimate the size and distribution of the Ag nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction and HRTEM confirmed that the nanoparticles consisted of metallic silver. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.