Method for synthesis of core-shell type and solid solution alloy type metallic nanoparticles via transmetalation reactions and applications of same

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for producing core-shell type metallic nanoparticles involving (i) providing a dispersion of a first metal as nanoparticles in an appropriate organic solvent; (ii) providing a solution of a metallic precursor containing a second metal in an appropriate organic solvent, in which the second metal has a reduction potential higher than that of the first metal; and (iii) combining the dispersion from (i) and the solution from (ii) together to carry out the transmetalation reaction of the first and second metals, thereby forming core-shell type metallic nanoparticles.