Chemists have developed a unique method for producing hollow nanoparticles from liquid metal

Scientists from ITMO University have proposed an alternative method for producing metal nanocapsules from

transition metals, based on the galvanic substitution reaction. These hollow nanocapsules are widely used for various purposes, from targeted drug delivery to catalysis induction in petrochemicals.

Conventional methods for producing hollow nanoparticles are complexand roads: researchers most often use precious metals - platinum, silver or gold. ITMO researchers managed to use liquid metal for the same purpose, namely gallium and its alloy with indium. The new method of Russian scientists will greatly simplify and reduce the cost of production of hollow nanocapsules from base metals. A metal drop heated to 30 ° C and exposed to ultrasound forms micro- and nanodroplets. Then these micro- and nanodroplets undergo a galvanic displacement (substitution) reaction, resulting in the formation of hollow metal particles.

Another advantage of liquid metals is thatthey are relatively inactive. For this reason, similar procedures can potentially be performed with more than 20 other metals that have a higher reduction potential than gallium and indium in the range of electrochemical activity.

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