Architecture of Metallic Nanostructures: Synthesis Strategy and Specific Applications

Metallic nanoparticles are emerging as key materials use in catalysis, plasmonics, sensing, and spectroscopy. To approach these applications, the control of nanostructures provides increasing selectivity and functionality. This feature article highlights our recent research progress in this emerging field. This article discusses control of the shape of metallic nanostructures and their physical/chemical nature. The numerous approaches for synthesizing multishaped nanostructures include (i) the use of hard templates such as anodic aluminum oxide, (ii) the use of soft templates such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and (iii) the use of sacrificial templates. Finally, the use of such nanostructures in catalysis, sensing, and photothermal therapy are demonstrated. General strategies for these methods are discussed and related recent research directions will also be addressed in this feature article.