Sandwich-interface inspired strategy for controlled formation of nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoparticles are functional materials able to offer improved or new synergetic properties. By manipulating the interfacial properties, we demonstrate an innovative sandwich-interface method capable of forming various monodispersed nanostructures including metals, semiconductors, and inorganic and coordinated nanoparticles. By analysing of the reaction mechanism, we show that reaction time, the height of transition and presence of surfactant have the greatest influence on the formation of the products. These advances in the sandwich-interface synthesis significantly extend the scope of interface synthetic methods, facilitating a new level of structural-architectural control which may lead to future developments in the field of crystallography.