The ability to assemble nanoparticles into functional structures is an important challenge that needs to be addressed for the generation of nanoparticle-based devices. Sol-gel method represents a facile yet powerful strategy for the self-assembly of metal oxides, chalcogenides, and metal-semiconductor hybrid nanoparticle systems into three-dimensionally connected porous nanostructures. In contrast to traditional metal-oxides, where gels are formed by hydrolysis and condensation of molecular precursors, gelation in non-oxidic systems (with the exception of carbon), is achieved by condensation of the pre-formed nanoparticle systems. In this study, the application of later strategy for the assembly of hollow metallic spheres (Au, Ag, and Pt) will be presented. Preliminary characterization of the resultant metal aerogels is done using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, surface area and porosimetry, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The effect of synthetic parameters on the primary particle size, morphology, surface area, and optoelectronic properties of metallic gel networks will be discussed.

Self-supported assembly of hollow metallic spheres into metallic aerogel frameworks

245th National Meeting (2013)

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