Physicochemical and catalytic properties of ruthenium nanoparticles obtained in reverse micelles

We synthesized ruthenium nanoparticles in reverse-micelle solutions using radiation-chemical (under anaerobic conditions) and chemical reduction of ions (in the presence of oxygen). The optical absorption spectra recorded during nanoparticle formation differed depending on the synthesis conditions, storage, and the phenomena of adsorption/desorption on the carrier. The size of ruthenium nanoparticles was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanoparticles varied in size, shape, and size distribution according to the experimental conditions. We deposited ruthenium nanoparticles on the I-Al2O3 carrier and studied their catalytic activity in an isotopic exchange reaction.