Resolving the Mayhems During Anisotropic Growth of Gold Nanostructures: Kinetics Versus Thermodynamics

Anisotropic nanostructures with controllable and well‐defined shapes, compositions, and surface morphologies have been augmented as important building blocks toward the design of functional materials. Recent advances in the “tips and tricks” have enabled the synthesis of nanoscale materials through newer routes with various morphologies and facet orientations. The control of shape has shown promise for physical attributes emanating from the anisotropy of the nanostructures. In this Review, we aim to elucidate the mayhems associated with the growth of anisotropic gold nanostructures in the colloidal dispersion. We have surveyed some specific examples to illustrate the diverse methodologies that can be adopted for the synthesis of shape‐selective nanostructures. It has been revealed that the choice of the chemical environment governs both the surface energies and crystallinity of the anisotropic nanostructures; the cumulative permutations of crystallinity and surface facets can be intermixed to produce newer morphologies of the nanocrystals. We have elucidated the kinetic and thermodynamic factors to imbue shape‐selective nanostructures from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. Finally, we have concluded with some thoughts on the present state‐of‐the‐art advances in this research arena, the future potential of such concepts, and the plausible limitations to be overcome associated with shape‐defined nanostructures.