Surface modification of metallic Co nanoparticles

Monodisperse Co nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition in the presence of aluminium alkyls yielding air-stable Co nanoparticles after surface passivation. Several procedures for surface modification of these pre-stabilized, metallic Co nanoparticles are presented, including direct anchoring of surface-active functional groups and biocompatible dextran layers as well as silica and polymer coatings. As a result, individually coated nanoparticles as well as microspheres can be obtained.