Characterization and Morphology of Nanosilver Coating on Zeolite of ZSM-5, Mordenite, and Y Type

Abstract

Morphology of silver nanoparticle coated on ZSM-5, mordenite, and Y-Type zeolite by Stöber’s and Tollen’s methods was characterized. The silver element was confirmed by SEM, EDX spectrum and XRD. Nanoparticle size of the silver fabricated on the surface of all three types of zeolite by Stöber’s method appeared in 1.8-7.9 times smaller than the Tollen’s methods depending on the Si/Al ratio of the zeolite. The ZSM-5, containing the highest Si/Al ratio and the largest crystal size, provided the best adhesion to the silver nanoparticles. Analysis of the SEM image showed a well distribution of silver nanoparticles on all types of zeolites, but only for the Stöber’s coating technique. A 4.54% coverage area of the silver nanoparticles on the Y-Type zeolite was enough for transformation the crystalline structure of zeolite surface to amorphous as consequent of the broad peak XRD spectrum. Since the zeolite surface was not fully obscured by silver nanoparticles as confirmed by FTIR, its absorption property of zeolite was also preserved. The Raman signal enhancement was evident when zeolite was coated with silver nanoparticle.