A brief survey of principles of co-deposition method as a convenient procedure for preparation of metallic nanomaterials

Among all types of nanomaterials, metal-metal and metal-oxide species have been diversely utilized in different applications because of their unique physicochemical properties and structural stability. As the most convenient and fast method for the preparation of these nanomaterials, co-deposition (also called co-precipitation) of constituent ions under a specific condition has been highly noticed. Indeed, this preparation method leads to exclusive nanostructures with particular features (e.g., iron oxide nanoparticles with a super-paramagnetic property). So far, several techniques have been introduced for the co-deposition of the ions, such as hydro/ solvothermal, electro-co-deposition, magnetic field/microwave, and ultrasound-assisted strategies. To develop new methods with higher convenience and lower cost and also to expand that to new nanoscale species, a precise review of the fundamental concepts in the field and theoretical principles is necessary. Hence, the present report intends to give an informative survey of the appropriate co-deposition strategies and related theoretical principles, along with highlighting the advantages of the co-deposited nanostructures. This collection will significantly assist researchers who are working on the development of new metal-based nano-species.