Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Sol-gel synthesis can be used for generating nano particles from a variety of compositions. In order to avoid aggregation and undesired gelation, it is necessary to react the particle surfaces with ligands reducing their interaction but allowing the incorporation into desired matrices. Three examples (semiconducting and metal quantum dots, ZrO2 and Al2O3 containing composites) are described, their properties and some applications for optics and protective coatings are discussed.