Progresses on syntheses of the noble-metal nanocrystals with exposed high-index facets

Abstract

Due to the presence of high-density atoms on the steps and kinks, the noble-metal nanocrystals with high-index facets usually perform superb phisical/chemical properites and have important applications in catalysis and electrochemistry etc. In recent years, the syntheses of noble-metal nanocrystals with high-index facets has become a hot research topic, and important progresses have been proceeded. This review summarized achivements about the syntheses of noble-metal nanocrystals with high-index facets exposed. We specially focused on the systhetic methods from the aspects of electrochemical method, capping agent method, under-potential- deposition of foreign metal atoms, kinetic control, oxdative etching and growth, and templated method.