title: Synthesis of TiO2-Au composites by titania-nanorod-assisted generation of gold nanoparticles at aqueous/nonpolar interfaces.
abstract: Hydrophobically coated anatase TiO(2) nanorods can assist the reduction of AuCl(4) (-)ions at aqueous/nonpolar solvent interfaces, which results in the generation of organic-soluble Au nanoparticles with tunable size in the absence of any metal ligands and/or phase-transfer agents. The titania-nanorod-driven modulation of interfacial energy and catalysis of gold nucleation provide straightforward access to nanocomposite solutions of TiO(2)-stabilized Au nanoparticles. Among colloidal approaches, this method represents a unique tool for the surfactantless, large-scale preparation of nanostructured semiconductor-metal hybrid systems with relevant technological potential in catalysis, photocatalysis, and charge-storage processes.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy. d.cozzoli@ba.ipcf.cnr.it
authors.forename: P Davide
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Cozzoli
authors.forename: M Lucia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Curri
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giannini
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agostiano
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D055672:Static Electricity; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D014867:Water; C009495:titanium dioxide; D006046:Gold; D014025:Titanium