Nonspherical Noble Metal Nanoparticles: Colloid‐Chemical Synthesis and Morphology Control

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles have been the subject of widespread research over the past two decades. In recent years, noble metals have been the focus of numerous studies involving synthesis, characterization, and applications. Synthesis of an impressive range of noble metal nanoparticles with varied morphologies has been reported. Researchers have made a great progress in learning how to engineer materials on a nanometer length scale that has led to the understanding of the fundamental size- and shape-dependent properties of matter and to devising of new applications. In this article, we review the recent progress in the colloid-chemical synthesis of nonspherical nanoparticles of a few important noble metals (mainly Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt), highlighting the factors that influence the particle morphology and discussing the mechanisms behind the nonspherical shape evolution. The article attempts to present a thorough discussion of the basic principles as well as state-of-the-art morphology control in noble metal nanoparticles.

Identical Location Transmission Electron Microscopy Imaging of Site-Selective Pt Nanocatalysts: Electrochemical Activation and Surface Disordering

“…In terms of the effects of morphology on electrocatalytic activity, numerous strategies have been developed over the past decades to obtain nanocrystals with preferential shape [8][9][10][11][12][13] , since the shape of a nanoparticle can be directly related to its surface structure 4,14,15 . In the vast majority of cases, it has been necessary to use stabilizing agents to mitigate aggregation and achieve the desired form.…”

Enhancing Single-Nanoparticle Surface-Chemistry by Plasmonic Overheating in an Optical Trap

“…[18][19][20][21] The surface plasmon resonances can be tuned through controlling size, shape and material of the nanoparticles via advanced colloidal chemistry. 22 Gold nanorods for instance, display two different plasmon modes: one transversal, in which the electrons oscillate perpendicular to the long axis of the rod, and the other red shifted longitudinal, in which the electrons oscillate along the long axis of the nanorod. 23 Europe PMC Funders Author Manuscripts sensitively depends on the nanorod's aspect ratio: the higher the aspect ratio, the more red shifted the longitudinal plasmon resonance.…”

Cu2ZnSnS4–PtM (M = Co, Ni) Nanoheterostructures for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

“…One way to reduce the amount of Pt used is by increasing its activity and maximizing the ratio of atoms exposed to the media. 7,8 A second strategy to minimize the amount of Pt is to alloy it with lower cost transition metals. 9,10 In this direction, bimetallic catalysts not only have made it possible to reduce the amount of expensive noble metals used but also have further allowed us to modify the electronic and chemical properties of the noble metal, enabling the engineering of catalysts with improved activities, selectivities, and stabilities.…”