Development of Metal−SiO2 Nanocomposites in a Single-Step Process by the Polymerizable Complex Method

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of SiO 2:metal (Ni, Co, Ag, and Fe) nanocomposites processed by the polymerizable complex method. The polymeric precursor solutions obtained were characterized by means of FT-Raman and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The results show the formation of a hybrid polymer with carbon and silicon in the macromolecule chain and the transition metal cation arrested within this polymeric chain. The nanocomposites are formed during the controlled polymeric precursor pyrolysis. The reduction of the metal cation is promoted by the CO/CO 2 atmosphere resulting from the pyrolysis of the organic material. Microstructural characterization, performed by TEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD), showed that the nanocomposites are formed by metal nanoparticles embedded in a amorphous matrix formed by SiO 2 and carbon. In the SiO 2:Fe system, Fe 3 C was also detected by XRD.