Advanced Control in Truncated Silver Nanoplate Synthesis: Tunable Size, Thickness, and Plasmonic Properties

We present a seed-mediated approach for producing silver nanoplates with customizable size and thickness, offering high yield and precise optical properties. Leveraging ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in the seed-mediated synthesis, we employ small single-crystal silver seeds as a foundation. The interaction between Ag+ and EDTA at different pHs dynamically controls silver complexation/reduction kinetics during seed overgrowth, yielding truncated nanoplates with superior optical responses. The pH adjustment within the range of 8 to 10.5 enables manipulation of nanoplate growth, resulting in a flexible optical response spanning 519 to 1006 nm associated to morphological changes (size and thickness). Additionally, nanoplate overgrowth extends plasmon resonance up to ca. 2000 nm. Notably, the incorporation of Adenosine 5’ monophosphate (AMP) enhances nanoplate stability and more important, enables precise thickness adjustment, independent of growth kinetics. Our method offers a systematic approach to tailor nanoplate morphology and optical properties with unprecedented precision.