Preparation of dendrimer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles using organic solvents

Preparation of dendrimer-encapsulated metal nanoparticles (DEMNs) within amphiphilic dendrimers in an organic solvent is reported. The important new result is that metal ion encapsulation is driven by solubility differences between the metal salt in solution and the dendrimer interior. This contrasts with previous studies, which have relied on specific interactions between metal ions and ligands within the dendrimer interior to drive encapsulation. This new approach makes it possible to prepare relatively large DEMNs. Both Cu and Pd DEMNs have been prepared and the latter are shown to be catalytically active for hydrogenation reactions.