Surfactant-free synthesis of size controlled platinum nanoparticles: Insights from in situ studies

• Surfactant-free Pt nanoparticles are obtained in alkaline ethylene glycol. In situ XANES and SAXS used to characterize the nanoparticle formation. The NaOH/Pt molar ratio influences kinetics of size. controlled synthesis surfactant-free (NPs) remains a challenge. To develop improved reproducible syntheses, deeper understanding formation mechanism NP is key. NPs particular important catalysts for wide range applications. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, small angle scattering (SAXS) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study For first time, different concentrations H 2 PtCl 6 (4 mM or 10 mM), ratios between 0 20 temperature from 30 140 °C investigated. It shown that key parameter tune order achieve size control. At higher slower smaller formed manner across various experimental conditions. This related surface properties NPs. with diameter ca. 1 nm easily 10–20 their takes place faster at temperatures.