Direct conversion of bulk metals to size-tailored, monodisperse spherical non-coinage-metal nanocrystals

Monodisperse non-noble metal nanocrystals (NCs) that are highly uniform in shapes and particle size are much desired in various advanced applications, and are commonly prepared by either thermal decomposition or reduction, where reactive organometallic precursors or/and strong reducing agents are mandatory; however, these are usually toxic, costly, or suffer a lack of availability. Bulk Group 12 metals can now be converted into ligand-protected, highly crystalline, monodisperse spherical metal NCs with precisely controlled sizes without using any precursors and reducers. The method is based on low-power NIR-laser-induced size-selective layer-by-layer surface vaporization. The monodisperse Cd NCs show pronounced deep-UV (DUV) localized surface plasmon resonance making them highly competitive DUV-plasmonic materials. This approach will promote appreciably the emergence of a wide range of monodisperse technically important non-coinage metal NCs with compelling functionalities.