Reactive aluminum metal nanoparticles within a photodegradable poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix

We report here on new photoreactive core-matrix reactive metal nanoparticles. Poly(methyl methacrylate)-capped aluminum nanoparticles (PMMA-Al NPs) were synthesized and demonstrated air stability on the order of 2 months. Upon exposure of the PMMA-Al NPs to UV radiation the composite reacts more rapidly to release H2 gas from alkaline solution. FTIR spectroscopy indicates that the PMMA cap degrades under UV irradiation, exposing the reactive metal core.