Chemical reduction methods for synthesizing Ag and Al nanoparticles and their respective nanoalloys

Silver (Ag) and aluminium (Al) metals are widely used for various applications. Ag showcases excellent thermal and electrical properties in its bulk form. Al also displays good thermal and electrical properties, as well as good ductility and corrosion resistance. However, the need for nanomaterials, including Ag, Al and their respective nanoalloys has grown over the past decade or so. The use of nanomaterials lies inherently in their large surface-to-volume ratio which helps improve catalytic and interfacial processes. Their nano sizes also improve hardness, fracture toughness and low-temperature ductility. Nanomaterials also enable lower processing temperatures as compared to bulk materials and faster reaction time due to their higher surface reactivity. Nanomaterials of metal elements are regularly alloyed in order to create nanoalloys with much superior thermal and electrical properties. Many methods have been reported for synthesizing Ag and Al nanoparticles and their respective nanoalloys, including the chemical reduction route. This review covers the methodologies of synthesizing Ag and Al nanoparticles and their nanoalloys via chemical reduction means, as well as the chemicals incorporated in these methods and their effects on the nanoparticle characterization efforts.