Fabrication of Au nanoparticles doped bulk silica glass by use of SiO ₂-PVA nanocomposite

Au doped silica glass was fabricated by use of SiO₂PVA nanocomposite. Porous inorganicorganic nanocomposite, which has nanometer sized pores, was prepared from fumed silica and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). HAuCl ₄ solution impregnated the porous SiO₂PVA nanocomposite, and then Au ion was reduced and Au metal nanoparticles were formed by heat treatment. After combustion of PVA, SiO₂ nanoparticles were sintered and Au particle growth were occurred above 800°C, and then bulk Au nanoparticles doped silica glasses were obtained by sintering at 1100°C for 6 h in air. Au particle size and concentration in the silica glass are increased with the concentration of the HAuCl₄ solution. Au doped bulk silica glass was obtained without gold escape from the surface.