AuI: an alternative and potentially better precursor than AuIII for the synthesis of Au nanostructures

Abstract

This article provides an overview of current developments with regard to the use of Au^I compounds as precursors in the synthesis of Au nanostructures with controlled shapes or morphologies. We begin with a brief description of the difference between Au^I and Au^III compounds, followed by a discussion on how the solubility and stability of a Au^I compound can be improved by forming a coordination complex with a ligand (X). We then focus on a range of recent studies that have been directed towards the use of Au^I-X complexes as precursors to elemental Au, in an effort to produce Au nanostructures with a variety of shapes, including icosahedral nanoparticles, truncated decahedrons, nanowires or nanorods, branched nanostructures, hybrid nanostructures, nanoboxes, nanocages, and nanoframes. In these syntheses, the Au^I-X complexes offer a number of attractive features for generating Au nanostructures as compared to the conventional Au^III compounds, mostly due to their differences in oxidation state and aurophilic effect. The ability to control Au^I chemistry therefore provides a great opportunity to systematically investigate the syntheses, physical properties, and applications of Au nanostructures.