Size-Selective Electrophoretic Deposition of Gold Nanoparticles Mediated by Hydroquinone Oxidation

Here we describe the size-selective, hydroquinone (HQ)-mediated electrophoretic deposition of 4 and 15 nm diameter citrate-stabilized Au nanoparticles (NPs) onto a glass/indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrode. Protons liberated from HQ during electrochemical oxidation at the Au NP surface during collisions with the glass/ITO electrode lead to Au NP deposition through neutralization of the citrate stabilizer surrounding the Au NPs, protonation of the glass/ITO electrode, or some combination of the two. Interestingly, the 4 nm Au NPs deposit at about 300-400 mV more negative potential than that of 15 nm diameter Au NPs because of faster HQ oxidation kinetics at the 4 nm NPs, leading to lower overpotentials. This allows for selective deposition of the 4 nm Au NPs over 15 nm Au NPs in a solution containing a mixture of the two by controlling the electrode potential. Controlled pH experiments indicate that significant NP deposition occurs on glass/ITO at a pH of ∼3, giving insight into the local pH needed from HQ oxidation in order to deposit the Au NPs. Experiments performed at different ionic strengths confirm that migration is a major mode of mass transport of the NPs to the glass/ITO. Long deposition times lead to films of densely packed Au NPs that are mostly free from NP-NP contact, indicating that some electrostatic repulsion between the NPs remains during the deposition. This simple method of Au NP deposition may find use for separation of Au NPs and electrode device preparation for a variety of sensor and electrocatalysis applications.