Low-energy synthesis of air-stable alkali metal colloids in a polymer/alkali halide matrix

Abstract

Atoms, Molecules z.,,..,,, and Clusters fur Phy~k D © Springer-Vertag 1993 Low-energy Synthesis of Air-stable Alkali Metal Colloids in a P o l y m e r / A l k a l i Halide Matrix R o b e r t E. Benfield~ R. H a r r y Cragg~ R i c h a r d G. dones~ Sidney A. M c I n t o s h , A n t h o n y C. Swain & A n d r e w J.W i s e m a n A b s t r a c t . We report a method for the synthesis of sodium or potassium colloids at room temperature under nitrogen. The colloids, formed within a protective matrix of alkali metal halide and a polysilane polymer, are remarkably air-stable. The UV-visible and EPR spectroscopic characterisation of the colloids is described.