A method for producing metal-containing nanoparticles. The method includes combining a metal organic compound selected from metal acetates, metal acetyl acetonates, and metal xanthates with an amine to provide a solution of metal organic compound in the amine. The solution is then irradiated with a high frequency radiation source to provide metal nanoparticles having the formula (Aa)m(Bb)nXx, wherein each of A and B is selected from a metal, X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, selenium, phosphorus, halogen, and hydroxide, subscripts a, b, and x represent compositional stoichiometry, and each of m and n is greater than or equal to zero, with the proviso that at least one of m and n is greater than zero.