Superstructures and SERS properties of gold nanocrystals with different shapes

Abstract

Keeping in shape: The shapes of gold nanocrystals determine their self-assembly behavior—rhombic dodecahedral nanocrystals form triangular multilayers (see picture), whereas cubic and octahedral nanocrystals form monolayers or multilayers without well-defined contours. The three superstructures exhibit different optical properties, and the rhombic dodecahedral gold nanocrystals display strong anisotropic SERS effects.