A team of researchers from NIMS, supported by the JST, has managed to create platinum nanoparticles whose shape is reminiscent of Japanese confectionery kompeitô (candy with the aspect of an embossed ball). Their surface (55m2/g) are found significantly higher than those of nanoparticles, nanofibers or nanotubes previously created (30m2/g).

Platinum is widely used, particularly as a catalyst (catalytic converter of a car) or electrode in batteries. Increasing the contact area of these nanoparticles will reduce the quantities, and thus the costs of these different applications.

Researchers explain that by adding a reducing agent in a solution containing a surfactant (a chain of polypropylene oxide), platinum ions and solvent is obtained in about ten minutes of nanoparticles with this shape. The yield of the chemical reaction is 100%. It may also, by playing on the strengths of the gearbox,  to obtain a solution containing of the quite distinct nanoparticules, with regular diameters. It can also vary the size of crystals obtained. These have a face-centered cubic. Such as providing a high resistance to high temperatures (250 °).

By this same process, one can easily combine platinum with other metals such as ruthenium, palladium, nickel or cobalt. The researchers hope to achieve design structures of metallic nanoparticles to measure.