The ability to control particle size and morphology through economically and environmentally sound techniques is highly desired in bulk-scale nanomaterial synthesis. Each of these facets is largely controlled by the solvent used for synthesis. Ionic liquids have recently been explored as novel solvents for chemical synthesis due to their unique solvation capabilities and low vapor pressures. However, these characteristics also make it difficult to recycle ionic liquids in chemical processes. We have developed a novel synthetic strategy using switchable ionic liquids (SWILs) for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. SWILs are mixtures of an alcohol and an amine base with an acidic trigger gas (CO2, CS2, COS, SO2). The ionic character of the solvent can be turned on and off by addition or removal of the trigger gas from solution. This switch affords us the ability to dissolve high concentrations of precursors in a polar environment and then promote nucleation, growth, and isolation of nanoparticles in a non-polar environment. The applicability of these SWIL systems for nanoparticle synthesis and the characterization of these materials will be discussed.

Nanoparticle synthesis using switchable ionic liquids

249th National Meeting (2015)

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