Ionic Liquids for the Convenient Synthesis of Functional Nanoparticles and Other Inorganic Nanostructures

Ionic liquids are a new class of organic solvents with high polarity and a preorganized solvent structure. Very polar reactions can be carried out in these liquid in the absence of or with a controlled amount of water, and crystalline nanoparticles can be synthesized conveniently at ambient temperatures. The pronounced self‐organization of the solvent is used in the synthesis of self‐assembled, highly organized hybrid nanostructures with unparalleled quality. The extraordinary potential of ionic liquids in materials synthesis is described in this minireview and a physicochemical explanation is given. Crystalline nanoparticles can be prepared at ambient temperatures in ionic liquids—highly polar organic solvents with a preorganized solvent structure. The pronounced self‐organization of the solvent is used in the synthesis of highly organized hybrid nanostructures like the lamellar silica shown in the picture.