Morphology and optical characteristics of hybrid matrix films with incorporated silver nanoparticles

  p. 1343 - 1346

A simple procedure for the creation of thick hybrid films with metal nanoparticles is described. Ex-situ synthesized silver nanoparticles are incorporated in three hybrid matrix solutions, prepared by a sol-gel process. The hybrid matrix films, composed of PVA-PEG-B₂O₃, PVA-PEG-SiO₂ and PVA-PEG-SiO₂-B₂O₃, with and without incorporated silver nanoparticles, are obtained by a solution casting method at ambient temperature. The films with incorporated silver nanoparticles possess a yellow colour and a transparency suitable for optical applications. The structural interactions, surface morphology and optical properties of films are studied. The morphology of the films and the homogeneity of distribution and stability of the silver nanoparticles are strongly influenced by the components of the matrices. The silver nanoparticles aggregate completely in the pores of a porous polymer-borate hybrid film. The most homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles is observed in dense hybrid films containing silica.