| abstract |
Composite materials are provided that include porous silica particles, a plurality of metal particles disposed within the pores of the silica particles, and a polymer coating that at least partially encapsulates the silica particles. A method of preparing a composite material comprising mixing a solution containing a plurality of activated metals and silica particles with a polymer solution to form the composite material, wherein the composite material has multiple pores. Also provided is a method of preparing a composite material comprising quality silica particles, a plurality of metal particles disposed within the pores of the silica particles, and a polymer coating that at least partially encapsulates the silica particles. |