Shape and size transformation of gold nanorods (GNRs) via oxidation process: A reverse growth mechanism

▶ Bromide ion catalyses the oxidative anisotropic transformation of as-synthesised gold nanorods (GNRs) to spherical shape in the presence of hydrogen peroxide via Au(III)-CTAB complexation. ▶ UV-vis spectroscopic analysis showed the blue shifting of longitudinal Plasmon due to shortening of GNRs. ▶ Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images further confirmed the sequential shortening of GNRs. ▶ This anisotropic behaviour provides, the information to the GNRs growth mechanism, as both growth and shortening occurs preferentially at the edge of single-crystalline GNRs in the presence of Br− ions.