Surfactant less Synthesis and the Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectra and Catalytic Activity of Differently Shaped Silver Nanomaterials

This paper reports the transition of shape-selective silver nanostructures from nanoplates to nanodendrites and to nanospheres made up of primary nanoparticles that can be readily controlled by changing the molar ratio of vitamin C to AgNO3. In addition, the formation of Ag nanostructures with multiple shapes can be readily controlled depending on the efficient density-assisted self-assembly synthesis. The surface-enhanced effects and catalytic activity of the formed Ag nanomaterials are strongly dependent on the surface morphologies of Ag nanomaterials, and compared with the other Ag nanomaterials presented here, the nanospheres made up of primary nanoparticles showed excellent surface-enhanced effects and catalytic activity.