Protective agent-free preparation of gold nanoplates and nanorods in aqueous HAuCl₄ solutions using gas - Liquid interface discharge

Gas - liquid interface discharge at atmospheric pressure above HAuCl ₄ solutions containing no protective agents generates triangular and hexagonal nanoplates and nanorods of gold. Experimental results under several different conditions indicate that the plates and rods rapidly grow on the surface of the solution. In contrast, the spherical nanoparticles slowly grow in the solution.