Organometallic synthesis of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles can be synthesized from metal-organic or organometallic precursors, either by classical thermal decomposition, ultrasound activation, photolysis as well as hydrogenation or hydrolysis reactions. The size, size distribution and more importantly surface state of these nanoparticles are much better controlled than when they are produced by chemical or electrochemical reduction of metal salts. Hence, metal or oxide nanoparticles can be obtained that are suitable for fundamental physics at the nanoscale, especially for magnetic studies. This is currently of particular interest as many applications require systems of still smaller sizes, the properties of which are not yet fully understood.