Mimicking Stained Glass: A Hands-On Activity for the Preparation and Characterization of Silica Films Colored with Noble Metal Ions and Nanoparticles

We here propose a simple and fast hands-on activity requiring limited equipment, to introduce students of various levels (bachelor’s or high school) backgrounds (from science arts) the chemistry color. The different colors stained glass are replicated through deposition, on ordinary slides, silica coatings colored by addition metal ions nanoparticles. A sol is used as matrix embed ions, followed an in situ reduction activated thermal treatment hot plate. formation nanoparticles this procedure induces plasmonic coating, thus “mimicking” ancient stained-glass fabrication quick method. Characterization optical spectroscopy also presented. This easily reproducible demonstrates basic concepts redox reactions, color, Thanks its interdisciplinary character immediate tangible results, well-suited for teaching laboratories bachelor’s school well public engagement activities.