A method of forming and resulting nano-structured composite includes atomizing a mixture of an amount of each of aminopropyltriethoxysilane, AgNO3, DI water, and ethanol in a carrier gas; heating the atomized droplets at a selected temperature for a time sufficient to reduce the Ag to its elemental form in a silica matrix; and outputting the nano structured composite particles. A predetermined heating time is from about 0.01 to about 40 seconds and a selected heating temperature is from about 200 to about 800° C. The nano structured composite includes a plurality of nano particles at a contact surface of the composite, dispersed throughout and at a contact surface of the composite, or dispersed throughout the composite.