Formation and self-arrangement of silver nanoparticles in glass via annealing in hydrogen: The model

Formation of metal nanoparticles in glasses containing metal ions in the course of their annealing in hydrogen is theoretically studied. The model of this process based on phase transition theory is constructed and simulated. Performed simulation shows that depending on the annealing parameters two qualitatively different nanoparticle distributions can be achieved: either continuous distribution or self-arrangement of the nanoparticles into so-called Liesegang-like layers. Both types of the distribution were observed experimentally earlier, and comparison of the experimental data and the simulation is performed. The dependence of the nanoparticle distribution on annealing parameters is analyzed. •A model for silver nanoparticle formation in glass during annealing in hydrogen is proposed.•The model predicts the existence of particle distributions both with and without Liesegang bands.•The influence of the process parameters on final nanoparticle distribution is analyzed.