Metal nanocolloids

The size-dependent properties of nanoscale metal colloids explain the considerable interest they raise as model systems of ultradivided matter or as specific materials for various applications. New synthetic approaches are often quite sophisticated, especially for bimetallic colloids. Extensive use of time-resolved techniques enables the identification of the parameters that govern the dynamics of the colloid formation and the kinetics of the reactions occurring at the particle surface. Of particular importance are quantum-size effects which arise during the early steps of particle growth, especially the effects on the optical and electronic properties of the oligomeric clusters. The size-dependent redox potential strongly depends on the medium and governs first the processes of the particle growth itself and then the chemistry and catalytic activity of the stabilized metal colloids.