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We discussed with Dr. Tao Zhang from the Institute of Solid State Physics about the research he participated in, which developed a general method for the dynamic control of the synthesis of gold five twin nanocrystals in a system. With these insights, a general method for synthesizing nanocrystals can be realized. 

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Hefei Institute of Material Science (HFIPS). I got a PhD. In 2019, he received his Ph.D degree from the University of Science and Technology of China, under the tutelage of Professor Yue Li from the Chinese Academy of Sciences HFIPS.

In the same year, he won an international postdoctoral exchange scholarship and studied at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.

My research interests mainly focus on the controlled synthesis of precious metal/non-precious metal-based nanomaterials for optical/electrochemical applications. Nanomaterials are fascinating but difficult to control; you can feel them, but you cannot see them with the naked eye.

Therefore, a strong curiosity drove me to explore, control and develop their potential applications.

When I was a graduate student, Professor Li led me into this field of research. Since then, I have realized that the nano world is as diverse as the macro world in which we live.

My first task was to synthesize gold nanospheres with super smooth surfaces for self-assembly. It is extremely difficult to achieve this goal, but it has brought great confidence in my further exploration of nanomaterials.

Image source: Dr. Tao Zhang/Institute of Solid State Physics

Gold nanocrystals are plasmonic nanomaterials. Due to their unique size and shape-related local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics, they have attracted considerable attention in recent decades.

These interesting features are expected to achieve important applications in many fields. This includes surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), biomedicine, hyperthermia, and photocatalysis, especially in NIR-related applications.

Application in biomedicine. Image source: Ding, X., Li, D. and Jiang, J., (2020).

Nanostructure control is an important issue in material chemistry because it helps to exhibit unique chemical and physical properties.

As mentioned above, gold nanocrystals are extremely sensitive to shape and size.

Therefore, the controlled synthesis method can ensure high purity and large-scale production of gold nanocrystals, enabling us to achieve reliable high-quality collective optical properties.

Due to mass production, it is also crucial for further industrial applications.

By avoiding complex changes in surfactants and foreign metal ions, the diversity of five twin NCs in a system may lead to a clearer understanding of the general growth mechanism.

This advantage will make full use of their plasma characteristics based on shape and size, simplify the manufacturing process, and achieve a universal growth mechanism and repeatable preparation.

Image Credit: George Shafeev/Shutterstock.com

Fine dynamics control is indeed a thorny issue in seed growth. We are familiar with reaction temperature, reducing ability of reducing agent, precursor concentration and pH value.

There is a thousand Hamlet in the eyes of a thousand people. For me, the obstacle is to understand the growth process in depth and expand its applications.

The seven five-twinned gold nanocrystal types all evolved from gold decahedral seeds. The main difference lies in the growth direction of the R value adjustment. For example, Au BPs grow in the <110> direction, while Au stars grow in the <221> direction.

Considering practicality, Au BPs can be used for NIR-induced hot electron excitation, surface enhanced spectroscopy, and biomedicine.

Image source: Dr. Tao Zhang/Institute of Solid State Physics

The R value is the guideline for the growth of nanocrystals on five twin gold seeds. Since the reduction potential of silver ions is different from that of gold ions, we should control the reaction temperature or the concentration of the reducing agent and adjust the growth kinetics appropriately.

Thousands of researchers have done a lot of excellent work on gold nanocrystals. I think the next step is to carry out mass production in a highly controlled manner. Practical application is the ultimate goal of our scientific research, so exploring practical applications will also be the goal in the future.

Growth mechanism; in my opinion, a clear growth mechanism forms the basis of controlled synthesis, because it can provide us with guidance and help deal with the synthesis of other NC families.

I recommend using "Science Network", where you can enter keywords and find specific topics.

Dr. Tao Zhang received his Ph.D. Graduated from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2019. Postdoctoral researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP). He was funded by the International Postdoctoral Exchange Scholarship (2019) and studied at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Now he is a reviewer of Frontier in Colloidal Materials and Interfaces.

His research interests mainly focus on the controlled synthesis of precious metal/non-precious metal-based nanomaterials for optical/electrochemical applications. In addition to exploring the general strategy of kinetic-controlled seed-mediated growth to synthesize five twin Au NPs family (Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 12631), he prefers to understand the growth mechanism of material growth (Chem. Mater. 2021, 33, 2593) and explore the application of nanomaterials in biomedicine (Theranostics, 2021, 11, 10001).

He also proved that nitrogen incorporation can effectively adjust the intrinsic electronic structure of a highly symmetric crystal structure with structural phase stability, thereby promoting electrocatalytic activity (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 2157).

Research: A general approach to fine kinetic control of the Wulian gold nanocrystal family.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily represent the views of the owner and operator of this website AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork. This disclaimer forms part of the terms and conditions of use of this website.

Megan graduated from the University of Manchester with a Bachelor of Science degree. In genetics, and decided to pursue a master's degree. Because of her passion for combining science with content creation, she earned a degree in Science and Health Communication. As part of the learning, Megan worked with Jodrell Bank Discovery Center as a digital marketing assistant, producing content and updating parts of his website. In her spare time, she likes to travel, exploring the culture and history of each place-including local cuisine. Her other interests include embroidery, reading novels and practicing Japanese.

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