| abstract |
A method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles includes the use of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device has a first channel having a first inlet; a second channel having a second inlet; a third channel having a third inlet; and a main channel having a main inlet and an outlet. The first channel, second channel, and third channel all lead into the main channel. The method involves injecting a solution of a metal/ligand into the first inlet, injecting a solution of a reducing agent into the second inlet, injecting a solvent comprised of an ionic liquid into the third inlet, and injecting an inert carrier into the main inlet. The solution of the metal/ligand, the solution of the reducing agent, the solvent and the inert carrier are combined together in the main channel, and the metal/ligand and the reducing agent are reacted for a time sufficient to form a metal nanoparticle. |