Polymer-immobilised nanoscale and cluster metal particles

The essential data on the immobilisation of nanoscale and cluster metal particles in polymeric matrices are considered and systematised for both macroligands and the matrices formed in situ. Special attention is paid to the controlled chemical passivation (stabilisation) of extremely active particles of colloidal size using high-molecular-weight compounds. The routes of formation of polymer-immobilised nanoparticles directly in the polymer medium are analysed. This allows the preparation of compositions characterised not only by the most regular distribution of these particles over the bulk of polymer but also by a strong chemical interaction between the components. Studies in the field of polymer-analogous transformations, which offer a promising approach to the binding of mono- and heterometallic clusters as a new direction in the physicochemistry of nanoparticles, are discussed in detail. The peculiarities of the immobilisation of clusters, polynuclear structures, and nanoparticles by synthetic polymers, on the one hand, and by biopolymers, on the other hand, are considered. The basic fields of the application of the products obtained and the prospects of the development of this direction are outlined. The bibliography includes 394 references.