Spontaneous phase transfer of nanoparticulate metals from organic to aqueous media.
4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) is the answer to the quest for an efficient transfer of metallic nanoparticles from organic to aqueous solutions. The picture shows the transfer of gold nanoparticles from toluene to water by the addition of DMAP (0.1 M, pH 10.5). This method enables the generation of high concentrations of nanoparticles with better monodispersity than those commonly prepared in water.
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces 14424 Potsdam, Germany, Fax: (+49) 331-567-9202.
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Gittins
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Caruso
colloids; gold; nanostructures; phase-transfer catalysis; transition metals