Formation and potential uses of glutamate-stabilized gold nanoparticles
- Pathum Thani, Thailand : Asian Institute of Technology, 2005
- 47 p. : ill.
- Thesis ; no. ME-05-04 .
- Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. ME-05-04 .
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies
Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005
Formation of stable colloids of gold nanoparticles in aqueous systems has been studied leading to the development of a phenomenological explanation for the process. To this end, a size selective synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles dispersed in water has been reported with a novel reducing agent, monosodium glutamate. The effect of concentration of cations in the medium on the shape and uniformity of the final particles has been demonstrated. A novel strategy for a colorimetric sensor for quantitative analysis of heavy metal ions in water has been developed, by surface modification of the nanoparticles synthesized by the proposed method. Colloids containing polymer-protected nanoparticles are shown to strongly absorb wavelengths in the near infrared range, suggesting possible applications as optical filters. Self-assembly of colloidal gold nanoparticles into micro-wires have been achieved employing biological templates.