Friday, 11th January 2008 (4218 views)

A technique involving ionic liquids has been used to create a number of bimetallic particles, including gold nanoparticles, according to Chemical Technology magazine.

Japanese scientists working from Nagoya University and Susumu University crafted the particles through a process known as "sputter disposition", where particles are formed when atoms are ejected from a metal foil into an ionic liquid.

According to Tsukasa Torimoto of Nagoya University, ionic liquids are particularly useful in this technique because they contain low-vapour pressures that can be maintained in high-vacuum conditions.

The technique could be a good way for scientists to create uniform gold nanoparticles of varying sizes, which can then be utilised in a number of scientific and biomedical applications.

Frank Endres, of Germany's Clausthal University of Technology, told the magazine that the sputter disposition method could be expanded further by using a form of plasmaelectrochemical disposition developed in Europe.

Gold nanoparticles have been used in cancer treatment research, as catalysts for drug delivery and in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

 

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