Metal nanostructures with hollow interiors

We have recently developed a simple and versatile route to the large-scale synthesis of metal nanostructures with well-defined hollow interiors. The key step of this process involved a replacement reaction between the surface of a nanoscale template and the solution of an appropriate salt precursor. The capability and feasibility of this method have been demonstrated by preparing hollow nanostructures of gold with a range of different morphologies (e.g., triangular rings, prism-shaped boxes, cubic boxes, spherical capsules, and tubes). In addition to gold, this method also worked well for other metals such as platinum and palladium (see Figure for an SEM image of Pd nanotubes). These metal nanostructures with hollow interiors are useful as fillers for generation of ultralight composites; they are also interesting for new types of applications that include use as components for highly sensitive colorimetric sensors and as effective, recoverable catalysts.