Preparation of AgX (X = Cl, I) nanoparticles using ionic liquids

Abstract

Nanoparticles of silver halides have been prepared by mixing silver halidepowder with a single liquid phase consisting of an ionic liquid, isooctane,n-decanol and water. Much higher nanoparticle concentrations may be formed with ionicliquids using this new simple method than are found with conventionally appliedsurfactants. This method also emphasizes the applicability of ionic liquids as versatilecomponents in microemulsions and as solvents for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Theeffect on the nanoparticles of changing the composition of the liquid mixtures and thenature of the ionic liquid is analysed. High nanoparticle concentrations were only foundwith chloride based ionic liquids, indicating the importance of the ionic liquid anion in themechanism of the reaction.