Synthesis of monodisperse Au, Pt, Pd, Ru and Ir nanoparticles in ethylene glycol

Au, Pt, Pd, Ru and Ir nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution have be en synthesized by chemical reduction of their corresponding metal species i n ethylene glycol. In all cases, the average particle size was found to be smaller than 10 nm. Particle size was mainly controlled by varying the init ial total metal concentration, the reaction temperature, and the concentrat ion of PVP. With the exception of Ir, metal particle agglomeration and sint ering was prevented by the addition of PVP, a well known protective agent t hat also aids particle dispersion. (C) 2000 Acta Metallurgica Inc.