Synthesis of Noble Metal Nanoparticles: Chemical and Physical Routes

The production of nanoparticles is a primary step in research in the field of nanotechnology. Among all types of metallic nanoparticles, nano-sized noble metals are probably the most attractive choice for their unique optical and catalytic properties. In the last decade, chemical and physical synthetic routes have been extensively followed by researchers to prepare nanostructures of noble metals. In this chapter, we discuss various chemical synthesis procedures for noble metal nanoparticles such as chemical reduction, the sonochemical procedure, the electrochemical method, and radiolysis. In addition, physical routes for production of nano-metals along with hydrothermal-assisted procedures have been discussed at the end of this chapter with reference to the latest research outcomes.