NANOPARTICLES - USES AND RELATIONSHIPS TO MOLECULAR CLUSTER COMPOUNDS

Review: The relationship between nanometer-sized particles and inorgan ic molecular cluster compounds is examined and some implications for t he synthesis and chemistry of nanoclusters are considered in this revi ew. The authors also present examples of applications of nanoparticles : Semiconductor nanoparticles and their polymer composites as well as other polymer/inorganic nanocomposites are covered in addition to a su rvey on nanophase materials as catalysts. Zeolites and the MCM-41 fami ly are also reviewed with respect to their ability to form new materia ls with fascinating optical and electronic properties.