Inferring the Interfacial Reactivity of Gold Nanoparticles by Surface Plasmon Resonance Measurements

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) require a functionalization step in most cases to be suitable for applications. Optimizing this step in order to maintain both the stability and the plasmonic properties of the GNPs is a demanding process. Indeed, multiple analyses are required to get sufficient information on the grafting rate and the stability of the obtained suspension, leading to material and time waste. In this study, we propose to investigate ligand reactivity on a gold surface with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements as a way to simulate the reactivity in GNP suspensions. We consider two thiolated ligands in this work: thioglycolic acid (TA) and 6-mercaptohexanoic acid (MHA). These thiols are grafted using different conditions on GNPs (monitored by optical absorption) and on a gold surface (monitored by SPR) and the grafting efficiency and stability are compared. The same conclusions are reached in both cases regarding the best protocol to implement, namely, the thiol molecules should be introduced in a water solution at a low concentration. This demonstrates the suitability of SPR to predict the reactivity on a GNP surface.