Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanostructures: The Case of Palladium

TLDR

Shape‑controlled synthesis of Pd nanostructures depends on seed crystallinity and facet‑specific growth rates, analogous to the Ag system. The study aims to control the reduction rate during nucleation to manipulate seed crystallinity (single‑crystal, single‑twinned, multiple‑twinned). This is achieved by tuning the reduction rate, applying oxidative etching to adjust seed distribution, and using capping agents to modify facet growth rates during crystal growth. The resulting Pd nanostructures exhibit diverse geometries that enable systematic evaluation of their electrical, plasmonic, and catalytic properties and broaden application potential.

Abstract

Abstract This article features shape‐controlled synthesis of Pd nanostructures. Similar to the Ag system, both the crystallinity of seeds and the growth rates of different crystallographic facets play a vital role in determining the final shape of a resultant nanostructure. We specifically discuss how the reduction rate can be controlled to maneuver the crystallinity (i.e., single‐crystal, single twinned, and multiple twinned) of seeds in the nucleation stage. The distribution of multiple twinned and single‐crystal seeds can be further manipulated by employing oxidative etching. As the seed grows into a nanocrystal, the growth rates of different facets (e.g., {111} versus {100}) can be altered with capping agents to control the final shape. The ability to generate Pd nanostructures with a variety of geometrical shapes provides a great opportunity to systematically evaluate their electrical, plasmonic, and catalytic properties, as well as to fully explore their applications.