Effect of reaction conditions on the morphology of elemental metals by composite-hydroxide-mediated approach

Metal micro- and nanostructures play important roles in many different areas. Micro- and nanostructures of elemental metals can be obtained by the composite-hydroxide-mediated (CHM) method. The detailed profile of results demonstrated that the morphologies of metal crystals were quite different, when we chose different materials, Zn or Fe powder and with or without adding H2O. The mechanism agrees with it that the acidity (pH2O value) of the hydroxide melts can affect the dissolution of the reactant. Our study shows that elemental metals and their morphologies can be achieved by controlling the reaction conditions. Moreover, this CHM approach provides a useful route for the synthesis of elemental metals crystals, which may be extended to synthesize other elemental micro- and nanomaterials. It is expected that the present research may offer useful guidelines to the design and application of micro- and nanostructures metal and devices.

Graphical abstractThe morphologies of metal micro- and nanostructures. Ag was also tuned by modifying the reaction conditions (reaction time, adding water and reaction materials).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We show CHM method as a simple route to the large-scale synthesis of metal micro- and nano-structures. ► The morphologies of metal Cu and Ag were also tuned by modifying the reaction conditions. ► The synthesis route has showed the advantage of being without any post-treatment or any surfactant.