Shape-controlled syntheses of silver nanoparticles: Role of the seeds

Precious metallic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because of their unique properties (optical, electronic, and chemical properties) and potential applications in many areas such as optical probes, biochemical sensors, and surface enhanced Raman Spectrum. Despite many successes in synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles (rods, plates), some limitations still exist in generating monodispersed silver nanoparticles. This study intends to elucidate the influence of crystalline seeds on the shape, size, and size distribution of nanoparticles through a seed-mediated method. The crystalline seeds can be modified by using different ways, such as heating treatment and oxidative etching. The shape and size of the generated particles will be characterized by TEM, and the particle formation and growth is tracked by UV-vis spectrometry. The findings would be useful for the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles for desired functional properties.