Bromine anion-induced synthesis of copper nanoplates and their recyclable catalytic activity towards 4-nitrophenol reduction

Copper nanoplates have been obtained with bromine ions as shape modifiers. Selective adsorption of bromine ions on the {111} crystal plane of copper promoted the formation of copper nanoplates instead of copper nanowires. Moreover, the copper nanoplates exhibited considerable catalytic activity and reusability in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Selective strong adsorption of bromine ions on the {111} crystal plane of copper blocked the growth along the {111} crystal plane and thereby promoted the formation of copper nanoplates instead of copper nanowires.