Effect of iodine ions concentration on the growth of AgCl nanocrystals with {433} high-index facets for rapid degradation of K2Cr2O7

The effect of indices of crystal facets on the properties of nanomaterials has attracted widespread interest. However, the synthesis of silver chloride (AgCl) nanocrystals with high-index facets is still a difficult problem. By precisely controlling iodine ions (I − ), AgCl nanocrystals with 24 high-index {433} facets were successfully synthesized. We discussed I − selective landing on specific positions of crystal and its role in controlling the formation of high-index facets. In addition, we also utilized the AgCl crystals to catalyze the degradation of hexavalent chromium, an environmental pollutant. {433}-bounded AgCl crystals exhibits twice catalytic efficiency for K 2 Cr 2 O 7 degradation compare with {311}-bounded. Moreover, its catalytic efficiency is much higher than that of AgCl nanocrystals exposed low-index facets. Graphical abstract Description the formation of AgCl crystal with {433} facets.