The role of silver ions in seed-mediated gold nanorod (AuNR) syntheses has been investigated. The key silver intermediate which controls the AuNR aspect ratio was identified as a CTA-Ag-Br complex using UV-Vis spectroscopy. We systematically studied the AuNR growth solution preparation process and determined that the solubility of this CTA-Ag-Br complex intermediate is the limiting reagent, with a limiting solubility of 0.12 mM, in the preparation of AuNR. Additional AgNO<sub>3</sub> does not influence of the aspect ratio (length-to-width) of the resulting AuNR.  The sequence of reagent addition is also a determinant in the evolution of the gold nanorod. The importance of CTA-Ag-Br complex in nanorod synthesis is further supported by the observation of nanoparticle formation when  ascorbic acid is added before the formation of CTA-Ag-Br complex. mixing of AgNO<sub>3</sub> results in the formation of large quantities of (spherical) gold nanoparticles. This result sheds light on the understanding of the role of silver ions in AuNR syntheses and helps the design of new synthetic approaches to produce AuNR with large aspect ratios.

New insight into the role of Ag in the seed-mediated gold nanorods synthesis

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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