Ionic Liquid Stabilized Metal Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Catalytic Hydrogenation

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) as high surface area heterogeneous catalysts are important in catalysis areas. Ionic liquids (ILs) have proven to be suitable media for the synthesis and stabilization of metal NPs. In addition, ILs can also act as additive to modified the physicochemical properties of metal NPs, including the size, shape and catalytic performance. This review summarizes recently reported various ILs which are applied to generate metal NPs by reduction or decomposition of metal precursor. Then, the interaction of the metal NP surfaces with the functionalized or nonfunctionalized IL has been discussed. Finally, the application of the ILs/metal NPs system in catalytic hydrogenation is reviewed with particular attention.