Studying the interaction between silica nanoparticles and metals by spectrophotometry

The optical absorption spectra of water silica sols containing nanoparticles (NPs) of metals (Ag, Pd, Fe, and Pt) are investigated. Silica sols are obtained from natural hydrothermal solutions via membrane concentration (ultrafiltration). Water sols of silica with specific sizes, pH values, ζ potentials of SiO₂ NP surfaces, and low concentrations of SiO₂ NPs are used. Plasmon resonance in optical absorption spectra is used to study the interaction between silica and metal NPs. Parameters of plasmon resonance (position, height, and half-width of optical absorption bands), from which the degree of interaction is assessed, are determined. Relationships between the optical properties of the surfaces of nanoparticle-size silica particles, the method of their production, and the effect of adsorbed metal particles on these properties are established.