Synthesis of Ag Nanostructures by Photochemical Reduction Using Citrate-Capped Pt Seeds

A simple synthesis of Ag nanostructures such as nanorods and nanowires has been demonstrated with citrate-capped Pt seeds. UV-visible spectra and photographs of the synthesized solutions at different UV exposure times showed that the citrate-capped Pt seed played a crucial role in the growth of Ag nanostructures. After UV exposure of the colloidal solution for 60 min, the average diameter, length, and aspect ratio of the Ag nanostructures were about 95 nm, 2.1 nm, and 22, respectively. The photochemical reduction is hypothesized to result from photoelectron transfer from adsorbed citrate to Pt nanoparticle seed allowing Ag ions to form Ag nanostructures. Based on X-ray diffraction spectra and transmission electron microscope images, the synthesized Ag nanostructures were a face-centered cubic single crystal with good purity. These results suggest that the photochemical reduction method can provide Ag nanostructures in the presence of citrate-capped Pt seeds at room temperature for anisotropic Ag products.