NMR Techniques for Noble Metal Nanoparticles

Solution phase noble metal nanoparticle growth reactions are comprised of deceptively simple steps. Analytical methods with high chemical, spatial, and temporal resolution are crucial to understanding these reactions and subsequent nanoparticle properties. However, approaches for the characterization of solid inorganic materials and solution phase molecular species are often disparate. One powerful technique to address this gap is nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which can facilitate routine, direct, molecular-scale analysis of nanoparticle formation and morphology in situ, in both the solution and the solid phase. A growing body of work indicates that NMR analyses should yield an exciting complement to the existing canon of routine nanoparticle characterization methods such as electron microscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy. Here, we discuss recent developments in the application of NMR techniques to the study of noble metal nanoparticle growth, surface chemistry, and physical properties. Specifically, we describe the unique capabilities of NMR in resolving hard–soft matter interfaces with both high chemical and high spatial resolution.