Size-controlled electrochemical synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using morpholinium ionic liquid

We have successfully synthesized morpholinium ionic liquid-stabilized palladium (Pd) nanoparticles by electrochemical reduction. For characterization of Pd nanoparticles, FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed. The FT-IR spectrum of Pd nanoparticles indicated the surface binding of the IL to the nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectrum showed that nano-sized Pd particles were produced. The particle size was controlled by the adjustment of the current density, temperature, and electrolysis duration. The TEM images showed an average size of 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.9, 3.5, 3.9, and 4.5 nm. Nearly a 0.5 nm-sized control of the nanoparticle was achieved. The particle size increased with a decrease in the current density and an increase in temperature and electrolysis duration. The electron diffraction patterns of resulting nanoparticles indicated that the particles had a crystalline structure.