The efficiency of
a wet chemical route to synthesize gold nanostructures
with tunable size and shape significantly depends on the applied solvent
and the interaction of solvent molecules with other species such as
gold ions. The ability of the organic solvent
N
-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
(NMP) as a suitable medium for application in star-like gold nanostructure
(AuNS) synthesis with a tunable morphology at ambient conditions has
been investigated. The time-dependent analysis of the UV–vis
absorption spectra of Au
III
Cl
4
–
in a pure NMP solution illustrates the role of NMP as simultaneous
complexing and reducing agents. Kinetic studies indicate that Au
III
Cl
4
–
in NMP solution is reduced
to Au
I
Cl
2
–
, with no need to
use another reducing agent, any external energy sources, or solvent
pretreatment. This is because Au
I
species stay stable in
this solution unless poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) catalyzes their
disproportionation. Morphological studies by transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) specify the high-yield synthesis of AuNS with monocrystalline
spikes in a concentrated NMP solution by PVP. This study illustrates
that the presence of seeds, as another agent to catalyze the disproportionation
of Au
I
species, makes it possible to synthesize AuNS in
varying concentrations of PVP in this medium. The role of PVP concentration
and the presence of seeds in the formation kinetics, morphology, and
optical properties is systematically discussed. The results achieved
through this study develop a straightforward and safe procedure for
AuNS synthesis in high yield in a water-miscible organic polar solvent
with tunable morphology and optical properties. Considering the high
capability of NMP to dissolve various types of polymers and hydrophobic
ligands, synthesizing AuNS in this solvent opens a window to a practical
and easy way to fabricate gold-based nanomaterials with fascinating
optical properties.