{110}-Terminated Square-Shaped Gold Nanoplates and Their Electrochemical Surface Reactivity

Single-crystalline Au nanoplates with a square shape and unique {110} facets were synthesized through directional eutectoid decomposition. The average edge length and thickness are 70–100 nm and 20–25 nm, respectively. The surface of the nanoplates was cleaned by deposition/dissolution of PbO2 in an alkaline medium. Furthermore, surface-sensitive electrochemical reactions further confirmed the predominance of {110} crystalline facets in the Au nanoplates. With respect to the high ratio of the active {110} surface, this material is an interesting electrocatalyst in multi-electron reactions such as oxygen reduction or glucose oxidation reactions.