Size control of spherical metallic nanocrystals

In this review, we show that the use of AOT reverse micelles favors the formation of spherical metallic nanomaterials, magnetic or not, such as cobalt and copper. The size is controlled by varying different parameters like the water content of the micelles, the intermicellar interactions, the capping with the AOT surfactant and the reducing agent concentration. As expected theoretically, the change in size of copper nanocrystals induces changes in their optical properties. By controlling both the size and the size distribution of cobalt nanocrystals, well-defined, two-dimensional superlattices can spontaneously form.