Synthesis of hybrid materials in polyelectrolyte matrixes: Control over sizes and spatial organization of metallic nanostructures

This review is concerned with the synthesis of hybrid materials in solutions, suspensions, and gels of polyelectrolytes with emphasis being placed on the role of interaction between functional groups of macromolecules and ions/surfaces of metals in the control over the processes of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles. The use of several macromolecules carrying nonionogenic groups for the effective control over the sizes and shapes of nanoparticles is exemplified. As the main method for the synthesis of metal nanostructures in colloidal systems, a method based on the reduction of metal ions is discussed. Mechanisms and conditions determining the assembly of metal–polymer nanocomposites of various architectures in polyelectrolyte matrixes and organized polymer systems are considered.