Silver molybdate nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanorods embedded in glass nanocomposites

Formation of Ag₆Mo₁₀O₃₃ nanowires, Ag₂MoO₄ nanoparticles, and Ag₂Mo₂O₇ nanorods embedded in silver molybdate glassy matrix has been confirmed from x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies. Heat-treated samples with higher Ag₂O content are good templates for the formation of the above-mentioned nanophase structures of definite geometric shape and size. The Ag₂Mo₂O₇ nanorodlike structures do not change in length effectively but their changes in width are noteworthy with the increase of Ag₂O content. Distribution of nanophases of different shapes and sizes was confirmed quantitatively from the crystalline lattice strain in the interface between the nanocrystals and the glass matrix. The initial rapid growth of the nanoparticles is also explained quantitatively with the help of a hit-and-stick model.