A new reduction route for the synthesis of nanoscale metals and metal oxides with ascorbic acid at low temperature

Reduction of the transition metal complexes in aqueous solution has been investigated systematically by ascorbic acid as the reducing agent without the assistance of any surfactant. Nanoparticles of α-Mn₂O₃, Ag and Cu were synthesized directly through aqueous phase reduction at room temperature. Nanoscale metal oxides such as Co₃O₄, α-Fe₂O₃ and MoO₂ were obtained through ascorbic acid reduction in alkali medium at 40°C. All the products were characterized on their structure and micro-morphology by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The particle size of metal and metal oxides was about 10–50 nm. The reaction details and features were described and discussed.