Self-Organized Metal-Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

A new approach for obtaining matrix-stabilized nanosized particles of metals and their oxides (size less than 50 nm) which are synthesized in one stage by chemical reaction within a condensed phase are elaborated. Such processes are realized by (co)poly merization of metal- containing monomers which include a metal ion chemically bonded with an organic part of a molecule. The molecular and supramolecular organization of such nano-composites is formed in the course of controlled thermal conversion of metal-containing monomers in an inert or self- generating atmosphere. The main stages of this conversion are (a) dehydration, (b) thermal (co)polymerization including self propagation frontal polymerization, (c ) controlled pyrolysis of formed products. Variation of synthesis and pyrolysis conditions leads to formation both of nano- particles with given size and necessary particle size distri butions and of a stabilizing polymeric matrix with controlled composition and thickness.