We have shown that we can control the growth of silver and gold nanoparticles from small, spherical seeds into anisotropic structures with well-defined shapes and sizes. We have achieved this control over particle morphology by developing an understanding of the underlying chemistry. A major factor which directs a particle's growth pathway is reaction kinetics, which can be controlled by varying reducing agent concentration, solution pH, and the presence of halides, which change the reduction rate of the precursor metal ions. In the plasmon-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles, reaction kinetics also can be adjusted by taking advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance properties of the particles and tailoring the properties of the light used to irradiate the plasmonic seed particles. Surface chemistry also influences growth, exemplified by the passivation of select surfaces of gold nanoparticles by silver.  The synthesis of novel nanomaterials using these synthetic routes will be discussed.

Controlling the shape of silver and gold nanostructures with reaction kinetics and surface chemistry

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.