First-principles atomistic Wulff constructions for gold nanoparticles

We present a computational study for the equilibrium shape of gold nanoparticles. By linking extensive quantum-mechanical calculations, based on Density-Functional Theory (DFT) to Wulff construction, we predict equilibrium shapes that are in good agreement with experimental observa- tions. We discuss the effect of the interactions between a nanoparticle and the encapsulating material on the equilibrium shape. As an example, we calculate adsorption of CO on several different Au(hkl) and use the results to explain the experimentally observed shape change of Au nanoparticles.