Generation of Zerovalent Metal Core Nanoparticles Using n-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminosilanetriol

Abstract

In this work, a facile one-pot reaction for the formation of metal nanoparticles in a water solution through the use of n-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminosilanetriol is presented. This compound can be used to effectively reduce and complex metal salts into metal core nanoparticles coated with the compound. By controlling the concentrations of salt and silane one is able to control reaction rates, particle size, and nanoparticle coating. The effects of these changes were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectrometry (UV-Vis), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A unique aspect to this reaction is that usually silanes hydrolyze and cross-link in water; however, in this system the silane is water-soluble and stable. It is known that silicon and amino moieties can form complexes with metal salts. The silicon is known to extend its coordination sphere to form penta- or hexa-coordinated species. Furthermore, the silanol group can undergo hydrolysis to form a Si-O-Si silica network, thereby transforming the metal nanoparticles into a functionalized nanocomposites.

Long-Chain Hydrosilanes Mediated Phase Transfer of Aqueous Metal Nanoparticles

“…An aqueous solution of gold nanoparticles was prepared using a methodology developed in our laboratory [12]. This method involves the utilization of n-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminosilanetriol (2-AST) as both the reducing and stabilizing agent at 60 • C [12] (See Section 3). These nanoparticles were used as prepared for the phase transfer process.…”

“…In order to examine the wider applicability of this method, silver nanoparticle phase transfer was also conducted (Scheme 3). The 2-AST stabilized silver nanoparticles were synthesized according to previously published protocol and phase transfer was attempted using the alkylsilanes [12]. n-Butylsilane was able to successfully transfer aqueous silver nanoparticles with little-to-no change in morphology and dispersity (Figure 12).…”

“…There have been multiple published protocols reporting the detailed synthesis of metallic nanoparticles in both polar and nonpolar solvents [7,12,13]. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the intended end use and application.…”

Fundamental Methods for the Phase Transfer of Nanoparticles

“…Our interest in the area of phase transfer is need based. In our laboratory, we have developed new methodologies for one pot creation of novel metal nanoparticles in organic and aqueous solvents [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. In our ongoing projects, we have water-soluble nanoparticles, which we want to tailor with drug molecules.…”

Challenges of Cannabinoid Delivery: How Can Nanomedicine Help?

“…Our 'Nanomaterials Laboratory' group at William Paterson University targets developing new materials with unique optical, electrical and signaling properties, which are not available in traditional nanosystems [28]. We have been exploring various synthetic strategies to tailor metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles with various silicon-based biocompatible oligo-or polymers to manipulate the stability, solubility and delivery of drugs in a predictable fashion.…”