Chapter 14 - Shape-controlled synthesis of aqueous-based metallic nanocrystals and their catalytic applications

Abstract

Aqueous-based nanocrystals have become some of the most comprehensively studied nanomaterials because of their unique physicochemical and electronic properties. Specifically, crystalline one-dimensional metal nanocrystals fabricated in aqueous solution have received significant research interest owing to their resulting thermodynamic stability and nearly spherical morphology. This informs their use in various fields such as biomedicine and catalysis. Generally referred to as green nanocrystals, aqueous nanocrystals are environmentally friendly and benign because of the lesser use of toxic solvents during synthesis, which is in line with the principles of green chemistry. In this chapter, we begin with an introduction to the theoretical framework for the formation of nanocrystals in solution, followed by the unique features and synthesis of single and binary nanocrystals. We also highlight advances in the morphological characterization of synthesized nanocrystals. At the end, we examine applications of aqueous-based nanocrystals as green catalysts in the environment and biomedicine.