Silver Indium Silicon Oxide Core Shell Nanoparticles (AgIn/SiO2, 99.99%, APS: 80-100nm, Inorganic Semiconductor/Nonsemiconductor)

Silver Indium Silicon Oxide Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Introduction

Silver Indium Silicon Oxide core-shell nanoparticles represent an exciting class of multifunctional nanomaterials, combining the unique properties of three distinct components: silver (Ag), indium (In), and silicon oxide (SiO₂). The core-shell structure allows for the integration of the complementary characteristics of these materials into a single nanoparticle, offering a versatile platform for a wide range of applications in fields such as electronics, biomedicine, energy, catalysis, and environmental technologies.

Core-Shell Structure:

Core (Silver, Ag): Silver is a well-known noble metal that has a variety of properties that are desirable in nanomaterials. These include high electrical conductivity, plasmonic behavior, antimicrobial properties, and catalytic activity. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are often used in electronic, medical, and sensing applications. The plasmonic properties of silver, which are a result of the collective oscillation of conduction electrons, can be exploited for enhanced light absorption and scattering, making Ag a key material in applications like surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and biosensing.

Intermediate Shell (Indium, In): Indium is a semiconducting metal, often used in the form of indium oxide (In₂O₃) or indium tin oxide (ITO), which has excellent electronic and optical properties. In core-shell structures, indium serves as a semiconductor that enhances the electronic properties of the nanoparticle. The indium shell provides enhanced charge transport and electrochemical stability, making the nanoparticles useful for energy storage and catalytic applications. Furthermore, indium is used in the production of transparent conductive films, which are beneficial in optical devices like solar cells and LEDs.

Outer Shell (Silicon Oxide, SiO₂): Silicon oxide (SiO₂) is a highly stable, biocompatible, and chemically inert material, which makes it an ideal choice for the shell layer in core-shell nanoparticles. The SiO₂ shell provides mechanical protection and surface modification capabilities. It also increases stability, protecting the silver core from oxidation or degradation in harsh environments. The high surface area of SiO₂ allows for easy functionalization, making it suitable for applications such as drug delivery, sensor devices, and environmental remediation.

Together, the Ag-In-SiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles combine the plasmonic properties of silver, the semiconducting behavior of indium, and the protective, functionalizable nature of the silicon oxide shell. This multi-layered design makes these nanoparticles highly adaptable for a wide range of high-performance applications.