Microstructure of Gold Nanoparticles Obtained from a Solution of Hydrochloroauric Acid by Picosecond Laser Irradiation.

The morphology and crystal structure of Au nanoparticles obtained by irradiating a solution of hydrochloroauric acid HAuCl4 with laser pulses have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and electron tomography. Along with round and shapeless particles, characterized by a cubic structure with twins, there are flat particles with trigonal morphology. They have a layered microstructure, with alternation of face-centered cubic and close-packed hexagonal crystal structures of layers oriented parallel to the base prism planes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]