(88e) Synthesis And Processing Of Nanoparticles In Ionic Liquids In The Presence Of Surfactants

Ionic liquids are thermal stable and non-volatile solvents, which can be immiscible with quite a few of conventional non-polar organic solvents. Recent studies suggest that various ionic liquids are quite useful in the synthesis of nanostructured materials because of their unique solvent property, such as extended hydrogen bond. In this talk, I will present our experimental results on the formation and post-synthesis process of several types of particles using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(triflylmethyl-sulfonyl)imide ([BMIM][Tf₂N]) ionic liquid and in the presence of common surfactants including oleic acid and oleyamine. I will show that solvent-dispersible and monodisperse nanoparticles of metals (Ag, Pt), metal alloys and metal oxides (Fe₂O₃) can be readily generated in [BMIM][Tf₂N]. The interesting solvation property of imidazolium-based ionic liquids has been used to facilitate the post synthetic process. The nanoparticles can be readily separated out from ionic liquids. Based on this observation, we have further developed a procedure for producing nanoparticles of iron oxides using recycled ionic liquids. Shape control of these nanoparticles in ionic liquids will also be discussed.