Fonseca-Paris C., Johnston J.H.
Victoria University of Wellington, NZ
Keywords: nanoparticles, palladium, synchrotron, wool
In the present paper we report the characterization of nanopalladium-wool fibre composites. Professor James Johnston and his research group at Victoria University of Wellington have developed a new methodology to reduce metal salts of palladium into nanoparticles with simultaneous binding to wool fibres. The formation of the metal nanoparticles can be chemically controlled, obtaining different nanoparticles sizes and shapes, thus finely tuning the properties of the resultant composite. SEM, TEM and Synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of the nanoparticles, their size and distribution within the wool fibres. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction confirmed that the primary phase formed for both substrates (crossbred and merino wool) corresponds with cubic palladium. The average crystallite sizes of the nanoparticles from XRD peak broadening have also been determined. The nanoparticles exhibit a polydisperse particle size distribution, they range in size from 2 to 50 nm. The Pd nanoparticles present different sizes depending on the experimental conditions employed for the reduction of Pd+2 to Pd0 and the type of wool used.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 511 - 514
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3