Zeolites with embedded metal and metal oxide nanoparticles

The aim of this project will be to produce uniform metal or metal oxide nanoparticles embedded within micron-sized zeolite particles by selection ion exchange followed by thermal treatment. The focus will initially be on preparing magnetic spinel nanoparticles as a means to produce magnetised ion exchange systems. Suitable chemical control will need to be developed as well as training and use of a variety of characterisation techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. At later stages of the project other types of particles will be the focus with potential applications in catalysis or anti-microbial activity (e.g. Ag particles)