Catalytic Applications of Metal Nanoparticles in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) with a small diameter and narrow size distribution can be prepared by H₂ reduction of metal compounds or decomposition of organometallic species dissolved in ionic liquids (ILs). MNPs dispersed in ILs are catalysts for reactions under multiphase conditions. These soluble MNPs possess a pronounced surfacelike rather than single‐site like catalytic properties. In other cases the MNPs are not stable and tend to aggregate or serve as reservoirs of mononuclear catalytically active species.