The size-dependent metal to nonmetal transition in metal nanoparticles has
been investigated using photoelectron and tunneling spectroscopic technique
s. Metal nanoparticles capped by thiols are shown to organize into ordered
2D and 3D structures. Single-walled nanotubes and aligned carbon nanotube b
undles have been synthesized by controlling the size of metal nanoparticles
produced in situ during the pyrolysis of precursors. Nanowires of gold and
other metals have been produced in the capillaries of the single-walled na
notubes.