Electrochemically Shape‐Controlled Nanoparticles

Shape-controlled nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted intense interest because the physical and chemical properties of NPs depend strongly on their shapes that determine the surface structures. Among of them, the NPs enclosed by high-index facets of fcc metals generally exhibit higher catalytic activity than those with low-index facets, such as {111} or {100}. However, the synthesis of NPs with high-index facets and high surface energy is a big challenge. This chapter reviews recent progress in electrochemically shape-controlled synthesis of metal, alloy, metal oxide and chalcogenide NPs enclosed by high or low Miller indices facets. We focused on the discussion and analysis of formation mechanism of high-index faceted NPs, indicating that the electrochemical methods are versatile for synthesizing metals (such as Pt, Pd and Rh) and their alloys NPs with high-index facets. Finally, the future challenges and exciting perspectives of the electrochemically shape-controlled synthesis of NPs with high-index facets as well as their applications are outlined.