Colloidal metals: Past, present and future

Abstract

A critical assessment of the various X-ray and electron-based methods of determining the structure of ultrafine metallic particles of colloidal dimension is given. In particular, examples of the use and potential of high-resolution electron microscopy of high-angle Rutherford scattering and of scanning tunneling microscopic procedures are illustrated. Several growth points of current and possible future uses of colloidal metals are identified; and the role of a variety of colloidal metals in (gas-solid) catalysis, in photocatalysis and in the photo-generation of organic materials are discussed. The prospects of fine-tuning colloidal catalysts are also briefly touched upon. © 1988, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.