Synthesis and Properties of Multimetallic Nanocrystals

Although the synthesis of structurally defined monometallic nanocrystals is well-demonstrated, there are far fewer examples of multimetallic nanostructures being achieved with defined structural features and properties. However, mutlimetallic nanostructures with defined structures are necessary for applications in catalysis, plasmonics/chemical sensing, and even nanomedicine applications. These synthetic difficulties arise from the challenges in nucleating a defined multimetallic phase by co-reduction methods. The Skrabalak group is addressing this challenge by demonstrating new synthetic strategies to multimetallic nanostructures that include seed-mediated co-reduction and ligand-controlled co-reduction. These strategies have facilitated the synthesis of symmetrically branched, dendritic, shape-controlled alloyed, concave core@shell, and core@shell nanostructures in model systems.

New synthetic strategies are currently being explored and the synthetic versatility of these methods is being tested. We are currently focusing on intermetallic compositions as shape-defined samples.

Funding provided by NSF-CHE (2013-2016) for "Seed-mediated Co-reduction: A Versatile Route to Architecturally Controlled Bimetallic Nanostructures", NSF-CHE (2016-2019) for "Symmetry Making and Breaking in the Synthesis and Assembly of Stellated and Bimetallic Nanocrystals", NSF-CHE (2019-2022) for "Strategies toward Hierarchy and Compositional Complexity in Metal Nanocrystal Synthesis", DOE-BES Early Career Award (2013-2018) for "Decoupling the Electronic and Geometric Parameters of Metal Nanocatalysts", and Research Corporation for Science Advancement through their Cottrell Scholar Program (2012-2014) for "New Synthetic Strategies to Multi-Metal Nanocrystals with Controlled Compositions and Structures".

For representative publications, please see:

Defect-Directed Growth of Symmetrically Branched Metal Nanocrystals

ARTICLE LINK Smith, J. D.; Bladt, E.; Burkhart, J. A. C.; Winkelmans, N.; Koczkur, K. M.; Ashberry, H. M.; Bals, S.;* Skrabalak, S. E.* "Defect-Directed Growth of Symmetrically Branched Metal Nanocrystals" Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 2020, 59, 943-950. DOI: 10.1002/anie.201913301.

Seeding a New Kind of Garden: Synthesis of Architecturally Defined Multi-metallic Nanostructures by Seed-mediated Co-reduction

ARTICLE LINK Weiner, R. G.; Kunz, M. Skrabalak, S. E.* "Seeding a New Kind of Garden: Synthesis of Architecturally Defined Multi-metallic Nanostructures by Seed-mediated Co-reduction" Accounts of Chemical Research, 2015, 48, 2688-2695.