Emulsions-directed assembly of gold nanoparticles to molecularly-linked and size-controlled spherical aggregates.
Aggregation of gold nanoparticles into soluble spherical assemblies using bi-functional ligands i.e., dithiols has recently been demonstrated but with limited control over the size of such assemblies. Herein, we report a new approach to further control the size of water dispersible spherical assemblies by confining gold nanoparticles in tiny oil droplets in water (oil-in-water emulsions) followed by their cross-linking with alkanedithiols. By controlling the size of the oil droplets and the concentration of nanoparticles, the size of spherical aggregates can be controlled from 20 to 400 nm. Cryo-TEM micrographs confirm the formation of covalently-linked soluble spherical nanoparticle assemblies within the oil emulsions in water. Such size-controlled nanoparticle assemblies may have several potential applications including those in gas sensors, controlled delivery, and optical coatings.
Hussain
Irshad
I
LUMS School of Science & Engineering (SSE), D.H.A., Lahore Cantt 54792, Pakistan. ihussain@lums.edu.pk
Zhang
Haifei
H
Brust
Mathias
M
Barauskas
Justas
J
Cooper
Andrew I
AI
D004655:Emulsions / Q000737:chemistry; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010316:Particle Size; D016062:Porosity
D004655:Emulsions; D006046:Gold