The utilization of reverse micelle utilization as microreactors permits to synthetize CdS, Cd_1-yMn_yS, and silver nanocrystals. The size, shape, and composition of these nanocrystals can be controlled.

CdS nanocrystals are characterized by a size ranging between 3 and 10 nm according to the synthesis conditions; the shape evolves from spherical to triangular as the size increase.
Structural studies show that the triangular nanocrystals are crystallized in hexagonal modification of CdS structure: Wurtzite.
Tilt studies show that the particles are flat and of thickness between 3-5 nm.
Optical absorption experiments show a quantum size effect: the absorption edge is shift to high energies compared to the bulk material. This effect is attributed to the thickness of the nanoparticles which is lower than the side length. By calculations the thickness is estimated between 3 and 6 nm.

Magneto-optical studies are performed with Cd_1-yMn_yS nanoparticles to observe the effect of an external magnetic field on the exciton. The nanocrystal studied are characterized by a low polydispersity in size and in composition, but it is to high to observe the splitting of the energy level of the conduction and valence bands.

The UV-Visible reflectivity of 5 nm silver nanocrystals organized in hexagonal network on several substrates are performed and a theoretical model based on Drude model, Maxwell Garnett, Barrera and stratified medium theory are developed. This model permits to understand all the features of experimental spectra and to characterize particle-particle and particle-substrate interactions.