Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a structure which comprises metal plate microparticles and a lipophilic clay-based intercalation compound and which exhibits excellent stability. The problem is solved by a structure as described above wherein: the metal plate microparticles are platy microparticles alone or a mixture thereof with polyhedral microparticles (including spherical microparticles); the platy microparticles have a thickness of 1 to 50 nm, a length of principal plate of 10 to 5000 nm and an aspect ratio thereof of 3 or more; and the weight ratio of the lipophilic clay-based intercalation compound to the metal plate microparticles is 0.01 to 50.

Abstract: [Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel optical functional material in which silver nanoparticles are used. [Solution] According to the present invention, a ternary composite formed by mixing silver nanoparticles, an organic semiconductor, and a clay in a liquid phase is provided. The organic semiconductor is preferably an organic charge-transfer complex, and more preferably a charge-transfer boron polymer. The clay is a layered silicate mineral, and preferably smectite. The present invention also provides an antibacterial agent, a photoelectric converter, and a photosensitive pointing device using the ternary composite.

Abstract: [Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel optical functional material in which silver nanoparticles are used. [Solution] According to the present invention, a ternary composite formed by mixing silver nanoparticles, an organic semiconductor, and a clay in a liquid phase is provided. The organic semiconductor is preferably an organic charge-transfer complex, and more preferably a charge-transfer boron polymer. The clay is a layered silicate mineral, and preferably smectite. The present invention also provides an antibacterial agent, a photoelectric converter, and a photosensitive pointing device using the ternary composite.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel light enhancement device manufactured easily. According to the present invention, there is provided a light enhancement device including a substrate provided with an adsorption layer formed on its surface and including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound; and tabular silver nanoparticles oriented and adsorbed on the adsorption layer. Furthermore, there is provided a manufacturing method of a light enhancement device including a step of forming an adsorption layer including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound on a surface of a substrate; and a step of immersing the substrate in an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, there is provided a kit for spectroscopic analysis including a substrate provided with an adsorption layer including a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound formed on its surface; and a container filled with an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing tabular silver nanoparticles with high productivity and high reproducibility. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing silver nanoparticles including a first step of preparing a silver ion aqueous solution containing a crystal habit modifier as a starting solution, a second step of adding a reducing agent to the starting solution with stirring to yield an aqueous dispersion of fine silver crystals, and a third step of adding an oxidizing agent to the aqueous dispersion with stirring. The oxidizing agent is preferably added such that the solubility of metal silver in the aqueous dispersion is optimized at an appropriate time in the third step.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel functional light-transmissive material including tabular silver nanoparticles and the manufacturing of the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a functional light-transmissive material including: a transparent base material; an adsorption layer disposed on a surface of the transparent base material, wherein the adsorption layer contains a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound; and tabular silver nanoparticles oriented and adsorbed on the adsorption layer. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a functional light-transmissive material, including: a step of forming an adsorption layer containing a hydrophobic modified clay with organic compound on a surface of a transparent base material; and a step of immersing the transparent base material provided with the adsorption layer in an aqueous dispersion of tabular silver nanoparticles.