Colloidal metal nanoparticles dispersed in amphiphilic polymers

An overview is given on the generation of metal nanoparticles dispersed within amphiphilic polymeric systems, ranging from nonionic polymers and polyelectrolytes to amphiphilic diblock copolymers. Such materials are receiving increased attention, since they offer tremendous options for the development of composites possessing unique catalytic, optical and electronic, or magnetic properties. In this paper emphasis is put on nanosized metal particles prepared in situ, that is, in the presence of the polymeric matrix, by wet-chemistry preparation methods. The choice of the polymer can profoundly influence the nanoparticle features and the properties of the nanocomposites.