The synthesis of mesoporous silicates containing bimetallic nanoparticles and magnetic properties of PtCo nanoparticles in silica.

Using a one-pot approach employing true liquid crystal templating on neutral surfactants and simple metal salt precursors, mesostructured, mesoporous silicates have been prepared in which bimetallic nanoparticles are deposited; magnetic properties of PtCo systems so prepared are evaluated.

The preparation by true liquid crystal templating of mesoporous silicates containing nanoparticulate metals.

Mesostructured silicates containing metal nanoparticles have been synthesised via templating around a pre-formed, metal-containing mesophase using a non-ionic surfactant.

The oxidation of water by cerium(IV) catalysed by nanoparticulate RuO2 on mesoporous silica.

Mesoporous silicates are prepared by templating on the hexagonal (H1) mesophase of surfactant bipyridine complexes of ruthenium(II) using a true liquid-crystal templating approach. On calcination, the surfactant template is removed except for the central metal ion that is oxidised, forming nanoparticles of RuO2 that deposit within the pores. RuO2 is a known oxidation catalyst and, despite its anhydrous nature in these silicates, is found to be very active in catalyzing the oxidation of water by acidic CeIV.