Formation of metal nanoparticles in hyperbranched polymers and use as soluble separable catalysts

Well-defined structures of nanometer dimensions are subject to intense research efforts. However, a rational control of structure formation on this length scale by convenient versatile means, and the control of functional properties and stability remain key challenges. As a new approach we use well-defined hyperbranched (statistically branched) polymers for the controlled synthesis and stabilization of metal nanoparticles. By contrast to (perfectly branched) dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers can be prepared in convenient procedures. Colloidal solutions of metal nanoparticle/polymer hybrides can be regarded as intermediates to homogeneous catalysts based on soluble transition metal complexes on one hand an classical heterogeneous catalysts based on microporous supports on the other hand: such systems consist of multiple phases (solid/liquid), at the same time they behave like solutions in many respects.Available from: http://www.e-polymers.org / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman