Structure and Morphology of Gold Nanoparticles in Solution Studied by TEM, SAXS and UV-Vis

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles have a great number of applications, among others in material sciences, biology and medicine. A method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles in solution with the use of gemini surfactant was proposed and the nanoparticles obtained were subjected to thorough characterisation. The method proposed is a modi cation of the Turkevich method, based on reduction of tetrachloroauric acid in the presence of trisodium citrate and a dicationic (gemini) surfactant 1,1 ′ -(1,4-butan)bis(3-dodecyloxymethylimidazolium) di-propionate. Morphology and size distribution of gold nanoparticles obtained were examined by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV Vis spectroscopy and small angle scattering of synchrotron radiation (SAXS). The plasmon resonance of the nanoparticles obtained was observed in the wavelength range corresponding to the presence of gold nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 100 nm. TEM images con rmed that the spherical shape of nanoparticles was dominated in reference solutions prepared of sodium citrate and tetrachloroauric acid. In the solutions prepared with addition of gemini surfactant, the gold nanoparticles of triangular morphology were observed.

Detection and characterization of nanoparticles in suspension at low concentrations using the X-ray total scattering pair distribution function technique

“…It is often desirable to work with very low concentrations, whether to achieve the proper pharmacokinetic properties of a drug molecule or to prevent particle aggregation and settling. Techniques such as SAXS, UV-Vis, 9 DLS, 10 and even TEM, 11 have been used in situ to quantify particle count and morphology but become increasingly challenging at lower concentrations. Meanwhile, quantitative structural analysis of the very particles themselves remains elusive.…”

Modern Micro and Nanoparticle-Based Imaging Techniques

“…TEM was used for the characterization and visualization of different types of nanostructures, such as noble metal- and metal oxide-based NPs [105–107], carbon nanomaterials [108,109], quantum dots [110–112], or polymeric nanoparticles of a dendrimer type [113]. TEM is preferentially used in the study of nanoparticle uptake, cellular compartmentation, transport and accumulation in different tissues and organs.…”

Amphiphilic gemini pyridinium-mediated incorporation of Zn(II)meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin into water-soluble gold nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy

“…The use of pyridinium salts as stabilizer agents of GNP has also been reported [22]. On the other hand, gemini surfactants display excellent properties in the preparation and stabilization of monodisperse GNP (organic and water soluble GNP) [13,23,24]. However, to the best of our knowledge, the synthesis and stabilization of GNP coated with pyridinium-based gemini amphiphiles and the incorporation of metalloporphyrins into such systems has not yet been reported.…”