Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids as Efficient Shape‐Regulating Solvents for the Synthesis of Gold Nanorods

Abstract

Shape control: Gold nanorods are synthesized in high yields in the absence of shape-regulating agents in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([EMIM][ES]). A two-step seeded-growth process is used that capitalizes on the binding affinity of imidazolium cations to gold crystal facets, the stabilization of AuI in [EMIM][ES], and the reduction of particle growth rates that is facilitated by weak reducing agents.