Versatile Reducing Reaction Field within Layered Polysilane for Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have received a great deal of attention in both scientific and industrial fields because of their special characteristics originating in the nanostructure. Herein, we developed a new synthesis strategy for MNPs based on the utilization of layered polysilane (Si₆H₆). The special arrangements of layers in this material allows the formation of an interlayer space with both suitable dimensions and surface chemistry characteristics for reducing metal ions to MNPs in a simple and efficient manner. The interlayer space assimilates a metal ion by a capillary condensation effect. These metal ions are subsequently reduced by the hydrosilyl groups on layered polysilane, thereby forming MNPs within the interlayer space. The synthesis strategies for MNPs presented in this paper can be utilized as a method for recovering and absorbing noble or toxic metal elements.