Abstract: A process of making metal nanoparticles comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof; wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce metal nanoparticles. A metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed homogenously in a matrix selected from the group consisting of ethynyl polymer, crosslinked ethynyl polymer, amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process of making metal nanoparticles comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof; wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce metal nanoparticles. A metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed homogenously in a matrix selected from the group consisting of ethynyl polymer, crosslinked ethynyl polymer, amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A ceramic made by providing a composition and pyrolyzing the composition. The composition has siloxane polymer, metallic polymer, siloxane thermoset, and/or metallic thermoset having a backbone having: an acetylenic repeat unit; and —SiR2—(O—SiR2)n— and/or —SiR2—(O—SiR2)n-[Cb-SiR2—(O—SiR2)n]m. R is an organic group, Cb is a carborane, and n and m are integers greater than or equal to zero. Any crosslinking is a crosslink between acetylene groups and/or a polycarbosiloxane crosslink. The composition also has free metal atoms, metal clusters, or metal nanoparticles dispersed homogeneously throughout the composition; (MLx)y-acetylene complex in the backbone; and/or a metallic compound for forming a (MLx)y-acetylene complex. M is a metal, L is a ligand, x and y are positive integers.

Abstract: A process of making metal nanoparticles comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof; wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce metal nanoparticles. A metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles dispersed homogenously in a matrix selected from the group consisting of ethynyl polymer, crosslinked ethynyl polymer, amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, graphite, and combinations thereof.