The Generation of Nanoparticles in Miniemulsions

A versatile method for the generation of nanoparticulate metals, ceramics, and polymers based on synthesis in miniemulsions—highly stable small droplets in a continuous phase—is presented here. It is revealed that in addition to nanoparticles, encapsulated materials, polymer capsules (see Figure), and hollow particles can also be obtained by careful selection of the starting materials.