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A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
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Polymer mediated layer-by-layer assembly of different shaped gold nanoparticles
Stephen M Budy1, Desmond J Hamilton1, Yuheng Cai2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|October 30, 2016
Summary
This study demonstrates the creation of dense, stable gold nanoparticle (GNP) thin films using layer-by-layer assembly for sensing applications. The GNP films show promising sensitivity, though nanoparticle accessibility within the film impacts performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) possess unique optical and electronic properties, making them suitable for diverse applications.
- Developing stable, portable, and dense GNP samples is crucial for practical implementation in sensing and other fields.
- Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly offers a versatile method for fabricating multilayered nanomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create dense, stable, and portable thin films of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using LBL techniques.
- To investigate the influence of GNP shape and polymer type on thin film properties and sensing capabilities.
- To evaluate the sensing performance of GNPs in solution and within LBL-assembled thin films.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of multilayered GNP thin films on glass substrates using LBL assembly with various polyelectrolytes and GNP shapes (spherical, rod, triangular prismatic, octahedral).
- Characterization of synthesized GNPs using dynamic light scattering, UV-vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
- Characterization of LBL thin films using UV-vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, and assessment of sensing performance by monitoring localized surface plasmon resonance.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of LBL thin films with 25 to 100 layers and optical densities ranging from 0.5 to 3.0.
- Sensing sensitivity in solution varied from 14 to 1002 nm/RIU, while film sensitivity ranged from 18.8 to 135.1 nm/RIU.
- The results indicate that nanoparticle accessibility within the film can influence overall sensing performance.
Conclusions:
- LBL assembly is an effective method for creating stable, multilayered GNP thin films suitable for sensing applications.
- The shape of GNPs and the choice of polyelectrolytes play a role in the properties and performance of the assembled films.
- Further optimization is needed to enhance nanoparticle accessibility within films for improved sensing efficiency.
