Biomimetic synthesis of gold nanocrystals using a reducing amphiphile.
The first synthesis of a chelating and reactive surfactant derived from citric acid and a short silicone as hydrophobic tail is described. Aqueous solutions of this reactive amphiphile spontaneously induce gold ion reduction, particle nucleation, and further direct crystal growth. The process, both pH and light dependent, occurs through lipid-directed assembly of metal ions, their reduction and subsequent lipid-directed growth to yield ultrathin (approximately 7 nm thick) quasi two-dimensional gold nanocrystals.
Gonzaga
Ferdinand
F
Department of Chemistry, McMaster University 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S4M1, Canada.
Singh
Sherdeep
S
Brook
Michael A
MA
D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D004583:Electrons; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry
D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D019343:Citric Acid; D006046:Gold