Non-aqueous synthesis represents a major breakthrough for the preparation of nanocrystals in liquid phase.  Unlike the synthesis carried out in aqueous solution, organic capping ligands are often used in controlling the particle size and shape, though the detailed functions of such ligands are far from clearly understood.  In this talk, I will present our recent work on the new discovery of a new function of such ligand systems and their use in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles with different morphologies in acarbon monoxide-based GRAIL method (Wu, J.; Qi, L.; You, H.; Gross, A.; Li, J.; Yang, H. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2012 , 134, 11880; Wu, J. B.; Gross, A.; Yang, H. Nano Lett.2011 , 11, 798).  The formation of Au nanoparticles and nanowires, Ag nanoparticles, and Pd concaved tetrahedral was observed using ligand pair of carboxylic acids and amines.  The Pd concaved tetrahedral nanoparticles were further employed as seeds in the synthesis of Pd@PtNi core-shell nanostructures that are active towards catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction electrochemically.The nanoparticles/nanowires were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. We found that the reaction kinetics for the formation of nanocrystals could be highly regulated in these reaction media.  I will offer our understandings on the key thermodynamic factors controlling the size and shape of nanocrystals.

Formation of nanoparticles in self-regulated reaction systems

246th National Meeting (2013)

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