Mercaptophenol-Protected Gold Colloids as Nuclei for the Crystallization of Inorganic Minerals:  Templated Crystallization on Curved Surfaces

Abstract

The self-assembly of monolayers of thiols on gold(111) surfaces yields substrates that are able to template in a controlled manner, the nucleation and growth of crystals of calcium carbonate from solution. In the absence of additives, various factors such as the nature of the thiol, the temperature, and the pH are now established as influencing the nature and relative amounts of the different CaCO3 phases (calcite, vaterite, and aragonite). Recently, we have been able to extend the use of thiol/gold self-assembled monolayers as templates for the growth of inorganic crystals by utilizing protected gold colloids instead of flat gold surfaces. The thiol monolayers that protect the colloids provide heterogeneous interfaces for the initial nucleation of the inorganic crystal. The utility of such a designer seeding is demonstrated through the crystallization of CaCO3 in the calcite modification and SrCO3 in the strontianite modification.

Polymer‐Controlled Biomimetic Mineralization of Novel Inorganic Materials

“…These rhombohedral surface structures are very similar to those reported by Tremel et al who used Au nanocolloids as nuclei for crystallization of calcite spherules with sizes of about 10-15 m [205,206].…”

Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Mimic Catalytic Activity of a Polysiloxane‐Synthesizing Enzyme

“…2D). Without a capping thiol present during reduction, particle size is not inhibited as the driving force to reduce the area of high-energy surfaces by twinning is obviously large; [24] it is well established that the ratio of thiol to gold can affect the resulting GNP diameter. [17,18] Confirmation of the specific functionalization of GNPs was obtained through Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) measurements.…”

Bio-inspired Mineralization Using Hydrophilic Polymers

“…These rhombohedral surface structures are very similar to those reported by Tremel et al when Au nanocolloids [61] with permission of the American Chemical Society were used as nuclei for crystallization of calcite spherules with sizes of about 10-15 µm [349,350].…”