High-yield seedless synthesis of triangular gold nanoplates through oxidative etching

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Anisotropic noble metal nanostructures are crucial for advanced optical and electronic applications.
• Controlling the synthesis of specific nanostructures like triangular gold nanoplates remains a challenge.
• Existing hypotheses on nanoplate formation mechanisms require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, seedless, one-pot synthesis for monodispersed triangular gold nanoplates.
• To investigate the role of iodide ions in the formation mechanism of triangular gold nanoplates.
• To enable tunable synthesis of gold nanoplates with controlled edge lengths.

Main Methods:

• A one-pot, seedless synthesis approach was employed.
• Reaction parameters were systematically varied to control nanoplate size.
• Characterization techniques were used to analyze morphology and growth mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Monodispersed triangular gold nanoplates were synthesized with high morphological yield (>90%).
• Edge lengths were tunable from 40 to 120 nm.
• Iodide ions were found to have a dual function: selective binding to Au {111} facets and oxidative etching of unstable impurities.

Conclusions:

• A novel, rapid synthetic route for triangular gold nanoplates was established.
• The dual role of iodide ions in promoting planar nuclei formation was elucidated, challenging previous hypotheses.
• This work advances the understanding of anisotropic nanomaterial synthesis and promotes further research in the field.