Ionic Liquid-Assisted Growth of Single-Crystalline Dendritic Gold Nanostructures with a Three-Fold Symmetry

• DOI: 10.1021/cm8002386
• Publication Date: 2008-05-21T17:23:54Z
• Authors: Yao Qin; Yin Song; Nijuan Sun; Nana Zhao; Meixian Li; Limin Qi
• Keywords: Nanorod; Dendrite (mathematics)

Hierarchical, three-fold symmetrical, single-crystalline gold dendrites were synthesized by the reaction between a zinc plate and solution of HAuCl4 in ionic liquid [BMIM][PF6]. The unique dendritic nanostructures show three-order hierarchy (i.e., symmetrical <111>-oriented trunk, three groups trident-like branches grown on many nanorod leaves symmetrically), indicating an interesting fractal growth. According to investigation growth process dendrites, it was proposed that nuclei nanocrystals first formed substrate through direct surface subsequent crystal preferentially took place preformed crystals primary cell reaction, leading formation final hyperbranched under nonequilibrium conditions. In contrast, AuZn alloy consisting aggregated nanoparticles produced when replaced aqueous solution. It significantly lowered ion diffusivity rate medium could largely contribute pure dendrites. Moreover, electrocatalytic measurements performed alkaline suggested obtained exhibited good activity toward oxidation methanol, which might be related special hierarchical architectures.