Precision Synthesis of Small Metal Alloy Nanoparticles
This invention provides a novel method for producing small metal alloy nanoparticles with enhanced properties. It offers a scalable and reproducible approach to creating these materials, which can be tuned for specific applications due to their size and composition.
Description
The method involves mixing a first aqueous solution containing precursor species for two different metals at room temperature in air. A separate organic ligand is then introduced into this solution, followed by the addition of a reducing agent. This mixture is aged for a period of at least one hour to yield small metal alloy nanoparticles, typically ranging in diameter from about 1.8 nm to 3 nm. The process allows for characterization of the elemental composition of these nanoparticles, including through photoluminescence measurements. For example, gold and copper nanoparticles (AuxCuyNPs) can be synthesized using this method, with detailed analysis of their size, composition, and photoluminescence properties provided.Applications
- Catalysis- Bio-imaging
- Nano-medicine
- Advanced materials with tunable optical and electronic properties
- Development of new sensor technologies
Advantages
- Enables the production of small metal alloy nanoparticles with controlled size (1.8 nm to 3 nm diameter).- Offers a method for synthesizing nanoparticles at room temperature and in ambient air, simplifying the process.
- Allows for the tuning of optoelectronic behavior and properties by varying particle composition.
- Yields nanoparticles with enhanced photoluminescence, particularly in the near-infrared region.
- Provides a scalable and reproducible synthesis route for various metal alloy nanoparticles.