One-step solid-state reactions at ambient temperatures - A novel approach to nanocrystal synthesis

Communication: High yields of nanocrystals at ambient temperature have been attained for several inorganic salts such as ZnS and CuO. The authors repo rt one-step, solid-state reactions between easily obtained starting materia ls such as CuCl2. 2H(2)O and NaOH to give nanoparticles with narrow size di stribution. The process is carried out in air and requires no complex appar atus, reagents, or techniques and thus it shows potential for mass producti on of nanocrystals. All of the reactions investigated involve hydrated salt s, and the role of the water in the reaction mechanism is discussed.