Au , Ag , and Cu Nanostructures

Abstract

Au, Ag, and Cu nanostructures (NSs) in ionic liquid (IL) media constitute a rich and diverse set of functional materials, with applications ranging from catalysis to sensor fabrication. Owing to the low to negligible volatility of some ILs, it is possible to use novel synthesis methods such as laser-mediated synthesis, radiolysis, and plasma reductions in these solvents, making nanofabrication an exquisitely precise process, and enabling scientists to produce NSs with unprecedented control over shape, size, and uniformity. Furthermore, the possibility of variation of IL cations and anions, which leads to large changes in the three-dimensional structure of the IL itself, can assist in the formation of highly anisotropic metal NSs within the IL matrix. This makes ILs attractive solvents for the synthesis of morphologically diverse metal NSs, which are expected to be highly active for catalysis. The large electrochemical windows associated with some ILs also enables the application of metal NS/IL composites in electrochemical applications, with or without other supporting materials. Finally, the interaction of metal NS surfaces with electromagnetic radiation and the influence of chemical entities in the proximity of the metal surface on this interaction give us an opportunity to use these composite materials in chemical and biological sensing, often with detection limits far better than those offered by alternative protocols. Ag NPs, in particular, are also well-known for their biocidal effects, which may be enhanced or diminished in the presence of ILs. This chapter gives a broad overview of Au, Ag, and Cu NSs in IL media – including recent developments in associated synthesis protocols – and discusses selected examples of their applications in catalysis, electrochemistry, plasmonics, sensors, and therapeutics.