Branched Metallic Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Properties, and Photothermal Applications

Branched metallic nanocrystals have an array of useful properties that can be customized through parameters like shape, size, and composition. In most cases, the shape or morphology of a metallic nanostructure plays the most critical role in determining its properties and suitability for certain applications. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using anisotropic metal nanostructures for photothermal applications. This has lead to greater development in their optical properties as well as synthetic methods that are non-toxic and biocompatible. In this book chapter, various traditional and modern synthetic methods to obtain metal nanostructures with branched morphologies will be discussed in detail. The properties of these materials will also be explored, with the focus on optical properties that lead to their photothermal applications. The recent developments of the photothermal applications are also reviewed. And lastly, an outlook on the research area is also presented.