Size, shape, and structural control of metallic nanocrystals

In this review, we show that chemical reduction in colloidal assemblies favors the formation of size- and shape-controlled metallic nanoparticles. The key parameters that make possible the size control of spherical nanoparticles produced in spherical reverse micelles are the degree of hydration of the reactants, the dynamic character of the micelles, the capping with the surfactant, and the reducing agent concentration. The particle shape can be controlled by combining the strategy of the surfactant-based template and the capping of salts or molecules. Proof of the quality of the samples is given by the observation of two- and three-dimensional spontaneous self-organizations.