Self-assembly ability of building units in mesocrystal, structural, and morphological transitions in Ag nanostructures growth

Multiple morphologies and structures of Ag nanocrystals have been synthesized at a large-scale within a facile and organic-free replacement reaction system. Different morphologies (including nanoplate, dendrite, and nanosphere) in the Ag nanostructure growth have been observed. A continuous transition from single crystal structures to mesocrystals to polycrystalline aggregates can be achieved by simply adjusting the silver ion concentration. The suggested oriented attachment processes contribute to form different crystallographic structures, and the chemical potential of the reaction system provides a driving force for grain rotation and realignment, and the final fusion of attached grains. The existence of the observed structure sequence provides a unique insight into the mechanism of nanoparticle-aggregated crystallization.