Synthesis of Dispersed Metal Particles for Applications in Photovoltaics, Catalysis, and Electronics

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for synthesizing dispersed metal nanoparticles with controlled properties for use in photovoltaics, catalysis, and electronics, highlighting theoretical models and growth mechanisms involved.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive survey of recent synthesis techniques and theoretical understanding for metal colloids and nanoparticles in industrial applications.

Findings

Overview of synthesis methods for metal nanoparticles

Discussion of theoretical models and growth mechanisms

Identification of key factors influencing particle properties

Abstract

In colloid and nanoparticle chemistry, particle size, shape, crystallinity, surface morphology and composition are controlled by employing the mechanisms of burst nucleation, diffusional growth, aggregation, or their combinations. Here we review and survey practical examples of recently developed methods for preparing metal colloids and nanoparticles for industrial applications such as photovoltaics, catalysis, and consumer electronics. We discuss relevant theoretical models, many of which are general, and identify growth mechanisms that play a major role in other systems and applications as well.