Supported Metal Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles must be stabilized to be used in applications. This can be done by binding ligands to their surface, so that they form stable colloidal suspensions, as discussed in Chap. 6 . However, many applications require that they are stabilized by deposition in a nanoporous scaffold, or by inclusion in nanocomposite materials, which provides mechanical strength, chemical and thermal stability, and/or electrical connectivity, while preserving the accessibility and functionality. A range of deposition strategies, such as solution impregnation and melt infiltration, is available for supported nanoparticle preparation. Standard solid state characterization techniques provide structural information, while a few specific techniques can measure for instance the size distribution and location of the supported nanoparticles. Common applications of these nanostructured materials include catalysis, gas separation and storage, and energy storage and conversion.