| Abstract: | A method of forming and resulting nano-structured composite includes
atomizing a mixture of an amount of each of aminopropyltriethoxysilane,
AgNO.sub.3, DI water, and ethanol in a carrier gas; heating the atomized
droplets at a selected temperature for a time sufficient to reduce the Ag
to its elemental form in a silica matrix; and outputting the nano
structured composite particles. A predetermined heating time is from
about 0.01 to about 40 seconds and a selected heating temperature is from
about 200 to about 800.degree. C. The nano structured composite includes
a plurality of nano particles at a contact surface of the composite,
dispersed throughout and at a contact surface of the composite, or
dispersed throughout the composite. |