Simple approach for gold nanoparticle synthesis using an Ar-bubbled plasma setup

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology Vol. 16; no. 10; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Vlad, I. E., Marisca, O. T., Vulpoi, A., Simon, S., Leopold, N., Anghel, S. D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.10.2014; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical properties; Chemistry and Materials Science; Colloids; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Exposure; Fullerenes and related materials; Gold; Image transmission; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Materials Science; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanostructure; Nanotechnology; Optical Devices; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optics; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Reduction; Research Paper; Synthesis; Visible and ultraviolet spectra; Colloidal gold nanoparticles; UV-Vis; TEM; Collagen; Plasma in bubbles; Gold; Macromolecules; Plasma assisted processing; Non thermal plasma; Physical properties; Plasma sources; Nanoparticles; Proteins; Bubbles; Transmission electron microscopy; Chemical properties; Absorption spectra; Nanostructured materials; Nanomaterial synthesis
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2633-6

The synthesis procedure represents a key aspect in designing the physical and chemical properties of gold nanoparticles. The current study proposes a simple approach for gold nanoparticles synthesis using non-thermal plasma. The novelty of the setup consists in producing an in-liquid plasma discharge in argon bubbles that are externally generated in the solution exposed to treatment. Because plasma is the source of active species which are directly involved in gold reduction, no additional reducing agent was necessary. Collagen protein was used as capping agent. A plasma treatment of 10 min is sufficient for obtaining stable colloidal solutions with UV-Vis absorption maximum at 530 nm. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed preponderant spherical nanoparticles with dimensions in the range of 6–20 nm. The method of synthesis distinguishes by its good reproducibility, facility, efficiency, and ability to generate stable colloidal nanoparticles after several minutes of plasma exposure.