Colloidal Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy and Electrocatalytic Applications

Noble metal nanoparticles have attracted intensive research interests in many fields such as sensing, energy, biology and medicine attributed to their attractive optical and electrochemical properties. The size, shape and chemical composition of metal nanoparticles play a key role in governing their optical and electrochemical properties. To date, various types of metal nanoparticles have been produced, mostly via colloidal synthetic pathway. This review focuses on presenting pioneer works and recent progresses in the synthesis of colloidal metal nanoparticles with precise control of morphology, size and chemical composition. Properties-related applications of metal nanoparticles derived from their localized surface plasmon resonance and electrocatalytic activities are also emphasized.