The synthesis of low-dimensional and nanostructured materials with sophisticated and precisely tunable structures/compositions is needed to advance our understanding of materials nucleation and growth and of the technological impacts that are possible. For example, anisotropic and multi-component nanostructures are sought after for the unique optical, catalytic, and mechanical properties they support due to their broken symmetry. We demonstrate a one-pot, high-yield synthesis of anisotropic nanoscale dimers composed of noble metals and propose a mechanism for their formation. Detailed electron microscopy studies, in conjunction with nuclear magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopies, suggest these symmetry broken structures may possess unique plasmonic and catalytic properties.

Symmetry broken nanostructures: Anisotropic and multi-component nanoparticles

254th National Meeting (2017)

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