Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanostructures

Younan Xia, Washington University, DMR 0804088

Controlling the size and shape of Ag nanocrystals allows one to tailor and fine tune their catalytic and plasmonic properties. We have recently developed a facile method based on seed-mediated growth for generating Ag nanocrystals with controllable shapes and sizes. In one study, we demonstrated that we could produce Ag nano-octahedrons and nanocubes, respectively, by introducing a capping agent capable of selectively binding to the {111} or {100} facets while other conditions were kept the same. In another study, we showed that the edge length of Ag nanocubes could be controlled in the range of 30-200 nm by controlling the ratio of Ag seeds to the amount of silver precursor added to the reaction system. As a result, we can now start to design and synthesize Ag nanocrystals with the desired facet and size for applications in catalysis, sensing, imaging, and SERS.

1) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 8552-85532) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2010, 10.1021/ja104931h

Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanostructures

Younan Xia, Washington University, DMR 0804088

Serving as an associate editor of Nano LettersServing as a member of the advisory board for many journals, including Accounts of Chemical Research, Nano Today, and Nano ResearchServing on the International Advisory Committee for the 2010 International Conference on Nano Science and Technology held in Beijing, ChinaSearing as a guest editor of a special issues on nanmaterial research published in Advanced Functional MaterialsSupervision of 8 undergraduates enrolled for independent study, 2 REU summer students, and 1 high school student. See the left side for two of their publications (Gordon, Moran)Giving invited lectures at MRS, ACS, and OSA meetings, and seminars at >30 universities (including chemistry, biomedical engineering, and materials science & engineering). Serving as a review committee member of the Inorganic Nanostructures Facility at the DOE Molecular Foundry

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009, 48, 9924

2010, 1, 696