Colloidal metal nanoparticles dispersed in amphiphilic polymers

An overview is given on the generation of metal nanoparticles dispersed wit hin amphiphilic polymeric systems, ranging from nonionic polymers and polye lectrolytes to amphiphilic diblock copolymers. Such materials are receiving increased attention, since they offer tremendous options for the developme nt of composites possessing unique catalytic, optical and electronic, or ma gnetic properties. In this paper emphasis is put on nanosized metal particl es prepared in situ, that is, in the presence of the polymeric matrix, by w et-chemistry preparation methods. The choice of the polymer can profoundly influence the nanoparticle features and the properties of the nanocomposite s. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.