Metal NPs are prepared by chemical or ray-mediated reduction in the presence of ILs.
Nature of the metal precursor and size of the IL domains determine size of the NPs.
Semiconductor NPs can be prepared by IL-assisted sol–gel and hydrothermal methods.
IL-based spherical micelles are used as a template to form hollow sphere structures.
ILs can serve as a solvent, stabilizing agent, precursor, reactant for the NP growth.