Pt Nanowires Synthesized by Novel Green Approach

Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland have developed a complete "green" approach for synthesis of Platinum nanoparticles followed by the formation of nanowires by self assemblies in in an aqueous beta-D-glucose solution.

Since, carbohydrates are not strong enough to reduce Pt(IV) into Pt(0) at ambient temperature, researchers have used hydrothermal treatement to reduce Pt(IV) ions in an autoclave at 100 ◦C.
Thermal treatment initiated reduction of Pt(IV) ions into Pt nanoparticles, which were stabilized in the aqueous Beta-D-glucose solution. Pt nanoparticles transformed into nanowires upon continuous heating and eventually became cubic Pt crystal with a rough needle appearance.
TEM and FT-IR studies reveal that carboxylate groups, which are generated by the oxidation of
Beta-d-glucose, strongly interact with and stabilize the surface of these Pt nanostructures.

Reference: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects (2009), Article is in Press