Atomic Structure and 3D Shape of a Multibranched Plasmonic Nanostar from a Single Spatially Resolved Electron Diffraction Map.

ABSTRACT: Despite the interest in improving the sensitivity of optical sensors using plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) (rods, wires, and stars), the full structural characterization of complex shape nanostructures is challenging. Here, we derive from a single scanning transmission electron microscope diffraction map (4D-STEM) a detailed determination of both the 3D shape and atomic arrangement of an individual 6-branched AuAg nanostar (NS) with high-aspect-ratio legs. The NS core displays an icosahedral structure, and legs are decahedral rods attached along the 5-fold axes at the core apexes. The NS legs show an anomalous anisotropic spatial distribution (all close to a plane) due to an interplay between the icosahedral symmetry and the unzipping of the surfactant layer on the core. The results signific

SUBMITTER: Correa LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11447907 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature