Ni, Co, Cu, Ni-Co, and Ni-Cu nanoparticles in opal matrices and mesoporous silica gels

NiCo solid solutions and Ni-Cu bimetallic particles have been prepared in opal-matrix nanocomposites by reacting Ni, Co, and Cu double salts and oxides with supercritical (SC) isopropanol. According to X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy data, the nanocomposites have an X-ray amorphous opal matrix and contain crystalline nanoparticles of individual metals, solid solutions, or bimetallic materials of various morphologies in the opal pores. Mesoporous silica gel matrix composites remain X-ray amorphous after treatment in SC alcohols because of the small particle size of the metallic phase, or form solid solutions between Ni and Co silicates. The phase composition of the composites can be controlled by varying experimental conditions.