Microwave synthesis and inherent stabilization of metal nanoparticles in 1-methyl-3-(3-carboxyethyl)-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate

Abstract

The synthesis of Co–NPs and Mn–NPs by microwave-induced decomposition of the metal carbonyls Co₂(CO)₈ and Mn₂(CO)₁₀, respectively, yields smaller and better separated particles in the functionalized IL 1-methyl-3-(3-carboxyethyl)-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate [EmimCO₂H][BF₄] (1.6 ± 0.3 nm and 4.3 ± 1.0 nm, respectively) than in the non-functionalized IL 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Bmim][BF₄]. The particles are stable in the absence of capping ligands (surfactants) for more than six months although some variation in particle size could be observed by TEM.