Role of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and other sterically protecting polymers in selective stabilization of {111} and {100} facets in pentagonally twinned silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The role of PVP in the selective formation of pentagonally twinned silver nanoparticle morphologies and the corresponding selective facet stabilization is elucidated. Both for decahedral and pentagonal rod nanoparticles, PVP does not promote specific facet selection but is instrumental in colloidal stabilization and facet preservation through steric protection.