Polyol synthesis of platinum nanostructures: Control of morphology through the manipulation of reduction kinetics

(Figure Presented) Getting into shape: The shape of Pt⁰ nanostructures obtained by polyol synthesis can be altered by controlling the rate of reduction of the Pt^II precursor. Kinetic control is achieved by coupling the reduction with an Fe^II/Fe^III redox reaction and/or by blocking the self-catalytic sites of the Pt particles with oxygen. The shapes of the nanoparticles (see picture for an example) are different from that of the thermodynamic product.