The present process provides a method for synthesizing difficult to make oxide-free nanometals and such as Zn, Sn and Ti and alloys of the period 4 and 5 transition metal elements in a free and reduced state using a solution phase synthesis process. Also provided is a method for stabilizing their associated colloidal metal and alloy dispersions under kinetic control at modest temperatures (<95 degrees Celsius). A solution of an organic reducing agent containing at least two proximal nitrogen atoms is reacted with a separate solution containing one or more metal-organic salts dissolved in the same or different low molecular weight solvent as the reducing agent. The reaction products are stabilized with Lewis bases and Lewis acids and optionally can be concentrated by removing a portion of the volatile low molecular weight solvent by either the use of a partial vacuum or by chemical extraction into another phase.

Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described.

Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described.

A method of producing nanoparticles comprises effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle precursor composition comprises a first precursor species containing a group 13 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles and a separate second precursor species containing either a group 15 or a group 16 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles. The conversion is effected in the presence of molecular cluster compounds under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds. The molecular cluster compounds and nanoparticle precursor composition can be dissolved in a solvent at a first temperature to form a solution and the temperature of the solution can then be increased to a second temperature sufficient to initiate seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds.

A method of producing nanoparticles comprises effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle precursor composition comprises a first precursor species containing a group 13 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles and a separate second precursor species containing either a group 15 or a group 16 element to be incorporated into the nanoparticles. The conversion is effected in the presence of molecular cluster compounds under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds. The molecular cluster compounds and nanoparticle precursor composition can be dissolved in a solvent at a first temperature to form a solution and the temperature of the solution can then be increased to a second temperature sufficient to initiate seeding and growth of the nanoparticles on the molecular cluster compounds.

Semiconductor nanocrystals prepared using a mixture of organic ligands (e.g., oxoacids), as well as compositions, kits, and methods of using such semiconductor nanocrystals are disclosed.

Semiconductor nanocrystals prepared using a mixture of organic ligands (e.g., oxoacids), as well as compositions, kits, and methods of using such semiconductor nanocrystals are disclosed.

Semiconductor nanocrystals prepared using a mixture of organic ligands (e.g., oxoacids), as well as compositions, kits, and methods of using such semiconductor nanocrystals are disclosed.

A process for producing chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) involves contacting a chitinous material with a sufficient amount of an inorganic persulfate to produce chitin nanocrystals from the chitinous material. The process permits one-spot production of ChNCs from biomasses such as crustaceans, fungi, mushrooms, insects or mixtures thereof. Chitin nanocrystals produced by the process comprise surface carboxylic groups and are not initially deacetylated.

A process for producing chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) involves contacting a chitinous material with a sufficient amount of an inorganic persulfate to produce chitin nanocrystals from the chitinous material. The process permits one-spot production of ChNCs from biomasses such as crustaceans, fungi, mushrooms, insects or mixtures thereof. Chitin nanocrystals produced by the process comprise surface carboxylic groups and are not initially deacetylated.