Predicting the Growth of Two-Dimensional Nanostructures

The ability to predict the morphology of crystals formed by chemical reactions is of fundamental importance for the shape-controlled synthesis of nanostructures. Based on the atomistic mechanism for crystal growth under different driving forces, we have developed morphology diagrams to predict regimes for the growth of two-dimensional crystals. By using controlled reactions for crystal growth in the absence of surfactants/capping agents, we demonstrate the validity of this approach for the formation of 2-D structures of Au, Ag, Pt, Pd and hydroxyapatite.