What are the common capping agents?

Common capping agents include thiols, amines, and carboxylic acids, which are often used to stabilize nanoparticles during synthesis. These agents help control particle growth and prevent agglomeration by binding to the surface of the nanoparticles. Additionally, polymeric capping agents like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are frequently employed for their ability to provide steric stabilization. The choice of capping agent can significantly influence the properties and reactivity of the resulting nanoparticles.