IR and NMR study of nanoparticle-support interactions in a Fe2O3-SiO2 nanocomposite prepared by a sol-gel method

The interaction of iron oxide with the silica matrix in a Fe2O3-SiO2 nanoco mposite prepared by a sol-gel method has been investigated using Near-, Mid -, and Far-IR, and Si-29 MAS-, and H-1 NMR techniques. Samples of nanocompo sites and of pure silica obtained by the same preparation procedure and sub jected to the same thermal treatments have been examined. Spectroscopic dat a indicate that the Fe2O3 nanoparticles interact with the silica or silanol groups at the surface of the cavities in which they form. This result allo wed us to propose a model for the nanoparticle/silica interface. (C)1999 Ac ta Metallurgica Inc.