Nanoparticles (NPs), average size of 2-5 nm, of ruthenium, cobalt, and rhodium have been prepared by an original method, namely the solid-state decomposition under dihydrogen of an organometallic precursor either dispersed in polymer films or directly as nanocrystals. The NPs dispersion, size, and morphology are investigated by transmission electron microscopy, and their structure by wide angle X-ray scattering. Infrared spectroscopy, after adsorption of carbon monoxide on the metal NPs Surfaces, evidences a nonoxidized surface of high reactivity. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.