Unsymmetrical Heterogeneous Au–Ag Nanocrystals as Catalysts, Sensors, and Drug Carriers

Here we overcame the limitation of a solution-based synthetic method by fixing nanocrystals on a polymer film, which acted as a heterogeneous interface for suppressing the reaction and led to unsymmetric heterogeneous nanocrystals. For example, silver nanocubes were placed on a polystyrene film and suspended in a Au³⁺-ion solution for the generation of unsymmetric flower-like, mushroom-like, and half-cage-like Au–Ag nanocrystals. These unique nanocrystals have potential applications as catalyts, sensors, and drug carriers.