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How to make an octapod

Computer image of a platinum nanocrystal and an octapod (right)

On the left is a computer image of a platinum nanocrystal. Each ‘dot’ is an atom. When a surfactant is used to block the square faces, only the triangular faces can grow, and the result is an octapod (right).

Rights: Dr Richard Tilley
Published:30 May 2008Size: 154.04 KB