Morphology-selective synthesis of polyhedral gold nanoparticles: What factors control the size and morphology of gold nanoparticles in a wet-chemical process

Polyhedral gold nanoparticles below 100 nm in size were fabricated by continuously delivered HAuCl₄ and PVP starting solutions into l-ascorbic acid aqueous solution in the presence of gold seeds, and under addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). By continuously delivered PVP and HAuCl₄ starting solutions in the presence of gold seed, the size and shape of polyhedral gold were achieved in relatively good uniformity (particle size distribution = 65-95 nm). Morphological evolution was also attempted using different growth rates of crystal facets with increasing reaction temperature, and selective adsorption of PVP.