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In situ study of Au nanoparticle formation in a mechanochemical-aging-based method
Austin J Richard1, Michael Ferguson1,2, Blaine G Fiss1
1Centre in Green Chemistry and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, McGill University 801 Sherbrooke Street West Montréal Québec H3A 0B8 Canada audrey.moores@mcgill.ca.
Mechanochemistry enables sustainable solid-state synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of AuNP formation through a mechanically activated aging process, establishing the first kinetic model for solid-state nanoparticle synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Mechanochemistry offers a sustainable route for chemical transformations.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have diverse applications, and their mechanochemical synthesis is an active research area.
- The mechanisms of solid-state synthesis for AuNPs remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the solid-state synthesis of AuNPs using a mechanochemically activated Turkevich reaction.
- To elucidate the reduction, nucleation, and growth mechanisms of AuNPs in the solid state.
- To develop the first kinetic model for solid-state nanoparticle formation.
Main Methods:
- Mechanically activated aging synthesis of AuNPs.
- Solid-state Turkevich reaction.
- In situ monitoring using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- The study successfully synthesized AuNPs via a mechanically activated aging process.
- Detailed mechanistic insights into solid-state reduction and nanoparticle formation were obtained.
- The first kinetic model for solid-state nanoparticle formation was established.
Conclusions:
- Mechanically activated aging is an effective method for sustainable AuNP synthesis.
- Understanding the solid-state reaction mechanisms is crucial for controlling nanoparticle formation.
- The developed kinetic model provides a foundation for future solid-state nanomaterial synthesis.
