Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures. Issue 14 (1st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sebastian, Victor; Smith, Christopher D.; Jensen, Klavs F.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 8:Issue 14(2016)
• Page Start: 7534
• Page End: 7543
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08531d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : A gas-liquid segmented flow is used in a microreactor for the continuous production of faceted nanocrystals. Abstract : 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.