We control the size and stability of gold nanoparticle aggregates in aqueous solution by manipulating the inter-particle interaction. To control the interparticle interaction of gold nanoparticles, we utilize the competitive adsorption of organic adsorbates on the particle surface. Various experimental techniques such as quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are used to characterize the nanoparticle aggregates.
Our findings suggest that replacing the trivalent citrate ions adsorbed on the particle surface with monovalent mercaptan ions destabilizes the particles, causing aggregation and the increase in final size. This is successfully explained by the classical DLVO (Derjaguin-Landa-Vervey-Overbeek) theory that describes the interparticle interactions and colloidal stability in solution.
See more of #514 - Nanoparticle Synthesis and Stabilization I (01C15)
See more of Engineering Sciences and Fundamentals
See more of The 2005 Annual Meeting (Cincinnati, OH)