Figure 1

Microscopic characterization of composite fibers. (a) SEM image of AgNO₃-PVP/APTMS/TEOS composite mat. (b) TEM image of AgNO₃-PVP/APTMS/TEOS fiber (showing durable fiber; the black dots are small and highly dispersed silver metal particles). (c) TEM image of AgNO₃-PVP/TEOS fiber (showing unstable fiber; the black dots are bigger and aggregated silver metal particles). (d) HR-TEM image of AgNO₃-PVP/APTMS/TEOS fiber showing 5-nm crystal silver metal particles.