Intrinsic anisotropic crystallization of gold into microplates

Abstract

In solution-based methods for the synthesis of crystals, capping agents provide stability to the system and are also believed to play a crucial role in producing crystals with controlled morphologies. In this study, we show that gold crystals with plate morphology can be produced without using capping ligands, chemical reducing agents or other additives by plainly exposing chloroauric acid solution to gamma radiation from a ⁶⁰Co source. The crystallization occurs intrinsically at room temperature and produces bare nanocrystals which may find applications in the field of catalysis and sensors where surface exposure is of utmost importance for maximum interaction of the analyte.