Mechanochemical synthesis of Co, Ni, Fe nanoparticles in polymer matrices

We report on synthesis of Co, Ni, and Fe nanoparticles by the action of elastic wave pulses on solid phase sandwich type samples containing metal salt, reducing agent, polyethylene, and polyacrylamide. The formation of metal nanoparticles is evidenced by ferromagnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. The product yield for the nanoparticles formation has a threshold character with the pressure in the elastic wave pulse. The maximum amount of Co, Ni, and Fe nanoparticles is observed around 20 kbar of pressure in elastic wave pulses. The presence of polyacrylamide in reaction composites increases the stability of metal nanoparticles to oxidation by two orders of magnitude.