Radiation-induced synthesis of mono- and multi-metallic clusters and nanocolloids

This review is devoted to metal cluster synthesis in solution via radiolyti c reduction of ionic precursors under the proper conditions. The size and s tructure of the final particles are described in relation to the nucleation and growth mechanism of the process with a special interest in oligomers a nd nanometric-sized particles. The influence of either a polymeric surfacta nt or a ligand or a support is described. The role of a chemical electron d onor in the development of cluster size is explained. Particular attention is paid to the formation of bimetallic clusters and to the synthesis condit ions required to obtain either a core-shell or an alloyed structure in rela tion to a possible intermetal electron transfer.