A rapid and readily reproducible seed‐based method for the production of high quality silver nanoprisms in high yield is presented. The edge‐length and the position of the main plasmon resonance of the nanoprisms can be readily controlled through adjustment of reaction conditions. From UV‐vis spectra of solutions of the nanoprisms, the inhomogeneously broadened line width of the in‐plane dipole plasmon resonance is measured and trends in the extent of plasmon damping as a function of plasmon resonance energy and nanoprism size have been elucidated. In addition, an in‐depth analysis of the lamellar defect structure of silver nanoprisms is provided that confirms that the defects can lead to a transformation of the crystal structure in the vicinity of the defects. These defects can combine give rise to lamellar regions, thicker than 1 nm, that extend across the crystal, where the silver atoms are arranged in a continuous hexagonal‐close‐packed (hcp) structure. This hcp structure has a periodicity of 2.50 Å, thus explaining the 2.50 Å lattice fringes that are commonly observed in 〈111〉 oriented flat‐lying nanoprisms. A new understanding of the mechanisms behind anisotropic growth in silver nanoprisms is presented.

Solution phase triangular silver nanoplates (TSNP) with versatile tunability throughout the visible-NIR wavelengths are presented as highly sensitive localized surface plasmon refractive index sensors. A range of 20 TSNP solutions with edge lengths ranging from 11 to 200 nm and aspect ratios from 2 to 13 have been studied comprehensively using AFM, TEM, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Studies of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak's sensitivity to refractive index changes are performed using a simple sucrose concentration method whereby the surrounding refractive index can solely be changed without variation in any other parameter. The dependence of the TSNP localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak wavelength lambda(max) and its bulk refractive index sensitivity on the nanoplate's structure is determined. LSPR sensitivities are observed to increase linearly with lambda(max) up to 800 nm, with the values lying within the upper limit theoretically predicted for optimal sensitivity, notwithstanding any diminution due to ensemble averaging. A nonlinear increase in sensitivity is apparent at wavelengths within the NIR region with values reaching 1096 nm.RIU(-1) at lambda(max) 1093 nm. Theoretical studies performed using a simple aspect ratio dependent approximation method and discrete dipole approximation methods confirm the dependence of the LSPR bulk refractive index sensitivity upon the TSNP aspect ratio measured experimentally. These studies highlight the importance of this key parameter in acquiring such high sensitivities and promote these TSNP sols for sensing applications at appropriate wavelengths for biological samples.

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Nanotechnology has vast potential for expanded development and novel application in numerous sectors of society. With growing use and applications, substantial production volumes and associated environmental release can be anticipated. Exposure effect of nanoparticles (NP) on biological systems may be intrinsic to their physicochemical properties introducing unknown associated risk. Herein, we expand the knowledge of health and environmental impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), testing the acute toxicity of 14 AgNP preparations on developing zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Toxicological end points, including mortality, hatching rate, and heart rate were recorded. Concentration, stabilization agent and physicochemical properties were monitored as contributing outcome factors. Our findings indicate wide ranging LC50 24 h postfertilization values (0.487 ppm (0.315, 0.744 95% CI) to 47.89 ppm (18.45, 203.49 95% CI)), and indicate surface charge and ionic dissolution as key contributory factors in AgNP exposure outcome.