Structural transformation of silver nanoprisms in aqueous solution initiated by Cl−, Br−, and I− ions: electrochemical mechanism

It has been found that halide ions (Cl–, Br–, and I–) in aqueous solution initiate structural transformation of silver trigonal prisms (20−50 nm in size) in the sequence prism ⇒ disc ⇒ sphere. It has been demonstrated that the change in structure is caused by the formation of poorly soluble silver salts on nanoprisms and occurs by the electrochemical mechanism. The efficiency of the process is dictated by the nature of the halide ion.