Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

A Technique to Functionalize and Self-assemble Macroscopic Nanoparticle-ligand Monolayer Films onto Template-free Substrates
Published on: May 9, 2014
Imparting sensitivity and selectivity to a gold nanoparticle chemiresistor through thiol monolayer functionalization
Zhenzhen Xie1, Mandapati V Ramakrishnam Raju2, Andrew C Stewart2
1Chemical Engineering Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA.
Abstract:
Chemiresistor-based gas sensors for detection of target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air face common challenges of poor sensitivity and selectivity as well as suffering from interference by other constituent gases and/or humidity. This work demonstrates that functionalizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a designed thiol monolayer improves sensitivity and selectivity of the derived AuNPs gas sensor. We report the synthesis and application of a thiol ligand fitted with both a urea motif and a tert-butyl end group for functionalizing AuNPs. The AuNPs sensor prepared using the urea thiol ligand demonstrated significantly increased acetone sensing in comparison with tested commercially available thiol-functionalized AuNPs. The sensor worked under ambient temperature and high humidity conditions, and demonstrated a linear relationship between the sensor response and the common logarithm of analyte concentration.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation and Reactions of Thiols
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Structure and Nomenclature of Thiols and Sulfides
Introduction to Special Senses
Tactile and Chemical Senses
What is Natural Selection?

