Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanoparticles

In this chapter, nanoparticle synthesis using supercritical water is introduced. The characteristic phase behavior of supercritical water enables organic ligand modification, and fine tuning of particle size and morphology can be realized by the method. Synthesis of metal nanoparticles is possible in homogeneous reductive atmosphere provided in supercritical water. Nanocatalysts and radiation detection materials are presented as promising applications of the fine-tuned nanoparticles synthesized in supercritical water. In addition, mechanistic studies of nanoparticle formation in supercritical water were reviewed, including kinetics analysis of particle formation with a flow reactor, visualization of supercritical water flow with neutron beams, and in situ measurements of structural formation of nanoparticles using synchrotron X-rays.