Nano-synthesis and Characterization of Nano-metals for Catalysis and Building Applications

Abstract

Nano-metals have been available for centuries and are being used for a wide variety of applications. In particular, the building industry makes use of nano-metals frequently and some examples include coating to reduce infrared radiation through glass windows into the building as well as antimicrobial and solar cell applications. Therefore, the production of nano-metals is becoming increasingly popular to meet the rise in demand. This paper examined the possibility of using silanes as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of nano-metals as well as the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol using the synthesized nano-metals. From this paper, we have discovered MPS used as a silane can effectively synthesize nano-metals efficiently and effectively without creating by-products which can be harmful to the environment and dangerous to man. With the adoption of microwave irradiation method, the possibility of obtaining nano-metals at one of the fastest rates in the world is reported. It is also found that the synthesized nano-metals have obtained more uniformity in terms of shape and sizes with the use of Transmission Electron Microscope. In addition, the usage of Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also promised the production of pure nano-metals. The results obtained in this paper have gone through numerous tests to monitor the continuity and repeatability of the experiments in order to ensure the shape, size, bonding and structure are of high accuracy. Limitations, recommendations and future research on this topic are also provided at the end of the paper.