title: Visualizing nanoparticle dissolution by imaging mass spectrometry.
abstract: We demonstrate the ability to visualize nanoparticle dissolution while simultaneously providing chemical signatures that differentiate between citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), AgNPs forced into dissolution via exposure to UV radiation, silver nitrate (AgNO3), and AgNO3/citrate deposited from aqueous solutions and suspensions. We utilize recently developed inkjet printing (IJP) protocols to deposit the different solutions/suspensions as NP aggregates and soluble species, which separate onto surfaces in situ, and collect mass spectral imaging data via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Resulting 2D Ag(+) chemical images provide the ability to distinguish between the different Ag-containing starting materials and, when coupled with mass spectral peak ratios, provide information-rich data sets for quick and reproducible visualization of NP-based aqueous constituents. When compared to other measurements aimed at studying NP dissolution, the IJP-TOF-SIMS approach offers valuable information that can potentially help in understanding the complex equilibria in NP-containing solutions and suspensions, including NP dissolution kinetics and extent of overall dissolution.
authors.affiliation: Materials Measurement Science Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology , 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8371, United States.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Szakal
authors.forename: Melissa S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Ugelow
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gorham
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Konicek
authors.forename: R David
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Holbrook