Abstract: A method for producing metal-containing nanoparticles. The method includes combining a metal organic compound selected from metal acetates, metal acetyl acetonates, and metal xanthates with an amine to provide a solution of metal organic compound in the amine. The solution is then irradiated with a high frequency radiation source to provide metal nanoparticles having the formula (Aa)m(Bb)nXx, wherein each of A and B is selected from a metal, X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, selenium, phosphorus, halogen, and hydroxide, subscripts a, b, and x represent compositional stoichiometry, and each of m and n is greater than or equal to zero, with the proviso that at least one of m and n is greater than zero.

Abstract: Nanoparticles of silicon oxide alloys (i.e., oxides of SiMo, SiPt, and SiAl) are produced by laser vaporization of a silicon target and a target of a metal (i.e., Mo, Pt, or Al), in an oxygen containing atmosphere in a diffusion cloud chamber, where the target metal vapors aggregate into novel three-dimensional porous web structures. The structures have a homogeneous composition with a uniform ratio of silicon to the metal.

Abstract: A web-like nanoparticle silicon is produced by laser vaporization of silicon metal in an oxygen-free atmosphere in a diffusion cloud chamber where it aggregates into novel web-like microstructures. The aggregates are porous, and bright yellow to orange photoluminescence from the web-like nanoparticle silicon is observed upon irradiation with ultraviolet light.