Methods For The Production Of Silver Nanocubes

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel methods for the solution-based production of silver nanocubes. This method differs, inter alia, from the traditional polyol method in that reactants (such as AgNO 3 and/or PVP) can be added to the reaction mixture in solid form rather than as a solution.

1 . A method for the production of silver nanocubes comprising:
 a) combining as reactants:
 i) at least one polyol; 
 ii) at least one silver compound; and 
 iii) at least one organic protective agent (OPA); 
   
       wherein the silver compound is in solid form when combined with the other reactants: and
 b) reacting the reactants to produce silver nanocubes. 
 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction produces a product solution comprising at least 10 weight percent (10 wgt %) silver nanocubes as compared with a weight percent of all other silver nanostructures in the product solution. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction produces a product solution comprising at least 50 weight percent (50 wgt %) silver nanocubes as compared with a weight percent of all other silver nanostructures in the product solution. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising combining at least one compound comprising halide ion as a reactant. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising combining at least one compound comprising Fe(II) and/or Fe(III) as a reactant. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising combining Na 2 S as a reactant. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the organic protective agent (OPA) is in solid form when combined with the other reactants. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the organic protective agent is combined as a neat liquid with the other reagents. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one reactant is added portionwise over a period of time.