Effect of pH on the single-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles using PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers in aqueous media

Qinghui Shou; Chen Guo; Liangrong Yang; Lianwei Jia; Chunzhao Liu; Huizhou Liu

doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2011.07.021

Effect of pH on the single-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles using PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers in aqueous media

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2011 Nov 15;363(2):481-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.07.021. Epub 2011 Jul 22.

Authors

Qinghui Shou¹, Chen Guo, Liangrong Yang, Lianwei Jia, Chunzhao Liu, Huizhou Liu

Affiliation

¹ State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.

PMID: 21855892
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.07.021

Abstract

The influence of pH value on gold nanoparticle production in the presence of Pluronic stabilizers is systematically investigated. The reactions are studied as a function of pH and at fixed concentrations of the two reactants, HAuCl(4) and P123 block copolymer. Results indicate that the reaction pathway during the nanoparticle formation can be controlled by varying pH. The nanoparticles synthesized at pH=11.12 have an average diameter of 9.6 nm with a narrow size distribution, and the Pluronics are adsorbed on individual gold particle surfaces to form core-shell structures via hydrophobic interactions. The present work provides an economic way to improve the dispersion and stabilization of gold nanoparticles and throws further light on the understanding of gold nanoparticle production using block copolymers.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Gold / chemistry*
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Light
Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
Particle Size
Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
Propylene Glycols / chemistry*
Surface Properties
Water / chemistry

Substances

PEO-PPO-PEO
Propylene Glycols
Water
Polyethylene Glycols
Gold