Ag triangular nanoplates synthesized by photo-induced reduction: Structure analysis and stability

Ag triangular nanoplates were synthesized by photoirradiation to AgNO3 ethanol solution in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) under anaerobic conditions at room temperature. High-resolution SEM and TEM observations revealed that thin Ag equilateral triangular nanoplates, each of which was a single crystal with sharp corners and flat faces presented by {1 1 1} planes, were produced. Analyses of XAFS and XPS have shown that these nanoplates are protected by coordination of O atoms in PVP molecules, not being oxidized as Ag2O. The nanoplates are inherently stable, though they were easily truncated and dissolved if mixed with oxygen or water.