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Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
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Dynamic study on the transformation process of gold nanoclusters
Xiaoqian Ma1, Xiaoming Wen, Yon-Rui Toh
1Research Centre for Applied Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
Nanotechnology
|October 17, 2014
Summary
This study reveals that gold nanoclusters (Au8 NCs) transform into larger gold nanoclusters (Au25 NCs) via an endothermic, diffusion-controlled process. This transformation is influenced by temperature, solvent, and pH, with an activation energy of 74 kJ mol(-1).
Area of Science:
- Nanochemistry
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Gold nanoclusters (NCs) exhibit unique optical and electronic properties dependent on their size.
- Understanding the transformation pathways of gold NCs is crucial for controlling their properties and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transformation process of gold nanoclusters from Au8 to Au25.
- To elucidate the reaction kinetics and mechanism governing this size-dependent transformation.
Main Methods:
- Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy
- Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy
- Controlled variations in reaction temperature and solvent diffusivity
- pH control
Main Results:
- Au8 NCs transform into Au25 NCs under specific pH conditions.
- The transformation is an endothermic reaction with an activation energy of 74 kJ mol(-1).
- The formation of Au25 NCs follows a diffusion-controlled growth mechanism, indicated by s-shaped kinetic curves.
Conclusions:
- The transformation of Au8 to Au25 NCs is a well-defined, temperature- and diffusion-dependent process.
- Bovine serum albumin plays a role in stabilizing the Au8 NCs during the transformation.
- The findings provide insights into the growth mechanisms of metal nanoclusters.
