Crumpled Versus Flat Gold Nanosheets: Temperature-Regulated Synthesis and Their Plasmonic and Catalytic Properties

We report a high-yield synthesis of gold (Au) nanosheets with tunable size and surface morphology in the aqueous phase. In particular, crumpled and flat Au nanosheets with a thickness of similar to 10 nm could be selectively produced in high purity when the reaction was conducted at room temperature and in an ice-water bath, respectively. Unlike Au nanoplates/nanoprisms in the form of well-defined triangles or hexagons documented in previous studies, the current products exhibit random in-plane branches or holes, together with wavy edges. Strong absorbance in the NIR region was observed for all the Au nanosheet products. When serving as electrocatalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction, the current products exhibited an enhanced activity and operation stability, as compared to quasi-spherical counterparts.

Automated summary

A high-yield synthesis method for gold (Au) nanosheets with tunable size and surface morphology in the aqueous phase is reported. The produced nanosheets exhibit random in-plane branches or holes, along with wavy edges, and show strong absorbance in the NIR region. When used as electrocatalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction, the nanosheets demonstrate enhanced activity and operation stability compared to quasi-spherical counterparts.