Microwave-assisted shape-controlled bulk synthesis of noble nanocrystals and their catalytic properties

Bulk and shape-controlled synthesis of gold (Au) nanostructures with various shapes such as prisms, cubes, and hexagons is described that occurs via microwave-assisted spontaneous reduction of noble metal salts using an aqueous solution of alpha-D-glucose, sucrose, and maltose. The expeditious reaction is completed under microwave irradiation in 30-60 s and can be applied to the generation of nanospheres of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt). The noble nanocrystals undergo catalytic oxidation with monomers such as pyrrole to generate noble nanocomposites, which have potential functions in catalysis, biosensors, energy storage systems, nanodevices, and other ever-expanding technological applications.