Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures

Sebastian, V., Smith, C. D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5911-5836 and Jensen, K. F. (2016) Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures. Nanoscale, 8 (14). pp. 7534-7543. ISSN 2040-3364 doi: 10.1039/c5nr08531d

Abstract/Summary

A segmented flow-based microreactor is used for the continuous production of faceted nanocrystals. Flow segmentation is proposed as a versatile tool to manipulate the reduction kinetics and control the growth of faceted nanostructures; tuning the size and shape. Switching the gas from oxygen to carbon monoxide permits the adjustment in nanostructure growth from 1D (nanorods) to 2D (nanosheets). CO is a key factor in the formation of Pd nanosheets and Pt nanocubes; operating as a second phase, a reductant, and a capping agent. This combination confines the growth to specific structures. In addition, the segmented flow microfluidic reactor inherently has the ability to operate in a reproducible manner at elevated temperatures and pressures whilst confining potentially toxic reactants, such as CO, in nanoliter slugs. This continuous system successfully synthesised Pd nanorods with an aspect ratio of 6; thin palladium nanosheets with a thickness of 1.5 nm; and Pt nanocubes with a 5.6 nm edge length, all in a synthesis time as low as 150 s.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/58364
Identification Number/DOI	10.1039/c5nr08531d
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
Publisher	The Royal Society of Chemistry
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