Self-healing and self-organized gold nanoparticle films at a water/organic solvent interface.
Gold nanoparticles (5 nm and 20 nm) have been synthesized and stabilized with mercaptoundecanol. These particles, although insoluble in water or common organic solvents, spread as a thin film at the liquid-liquid interface between a water phase and an organic phase. Films of these gold nanoparticles have been observed both by conventional transmission electron microscopy of deposited samples and by cryo-transmission electron microscopy of plunge-frozen samples. The film can be monolayered and extend over centimeter-sized areas. The particle films spontaneously re-assemble and self-organize at the interface when disrupted. This self-healing capacity of the film should make it possible to build a device for continuous production and deposition of the film.
Balmes
Olivier
O
Department of Materials Chemistry-nCHREM, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund, Sweden.
Bovin
Jan-Olov
JO
Malm
Jan-Olle
JO
D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D005615:Freezing; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D008958:Models, Molecular; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012997:Solvents; D014867:Water; D006046:Gold