Facile synthesis of asymmetric patchy Janus Ag/Cu particles and study of their antifungal activity

Asymmetric patchy Ag/Cu Janus nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a “seed-mediated” approach. This is the first report of synthesis of nanometer sized metal-based Janus NPs without using complicated methods. Selective adsorption of the surfactant onto the seed NPs leads to the formation of Janus type structure. Subsequently the reduction potential of Ag⁺/Ag⁰ and Cu²⁺/Cu⁰ systems directs the formation of the “patch”. The patchy Janus NPs show significant antifungal activity towards a potent rice pathogen thus offering the prospect of future application in crop protection.