X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of gold nanoparticles functionalized with amine-terminated alkanethiols

Citation

Techane, S. D.; Gamble, L. J.; & Castner, D. G. (2011). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of gold nanoparticles functionalized with amine-terminated alkanethiols. Biointerphases, 6(3), 98-104.

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a short chain amine-terminated alkanethiol (HS-(CH2)(2)NH2 or C2 NH2-thiol) are prepared via a direct synthesis method and then ligand-exchanged with a long chain amine-terminated alkanethiol (HS-(CH2)(11)NH2 or C11 NH2-thiol). Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the AuNPs were relatively spherical with a median diameter of 24.2 +/- 4.3 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine surface chemistry of the functionalized and purified AuNPs. The ligand-exchange process was monitored within the time range from 30 min to 61 days. By the fourth day of exchange all the C2 NH2-thiol molecules had been replaced by C11 NH2-thiol molecules. C11 NH2-thiol molecules continued to be incorporated into the C11 NH2 self-assembled monolayer between days 4 and 14 of ligand-exchange. As the length of the exchange time increased, the functionalized AuNPs became more stable against aggregation. The samples were purified by a centrifugation and resuspension method. The C2 NH2 covered AuNPs aggregated immediately when purification was attempted. The C11 NH2 covered AuNPs could be purified with minimal or no aggregation. Small amounts of unbound thiol (similar to 15%) and oxidized sulfur (similar to 20%) species were detected on the ligand-exchanged AuNPs. Some of the unbound thiol and all of the oxidized sulfur could be removed by treating the functionalized AuNPs with HCl. (C) 2011 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3622481]

Keyword(s)

biochemistry
carboxylic-acid
delivery
DNA
gold
nanobiotechnology
Nanoparticles
organic compounds
probes
protein-binding
purification
scattering
self-assembled monolayers
Self-assembly
size
surface-plasmon resonance
tof-sims
transmission electron microscopy
x-ray photoelectron spectra

Notes

829WO
Times Cited:4
Cited References Count:51

Reference Type

Journal Article

Secondary Title

Biointerphases

Author(s)

Techane, S. D.
Gamble, L. J.
Castner, D. G.

Year Published

2011

Date Published

1314835200

Volume Number

6

Issue Number

3

Pages

98-104

ISSN/ISBN

1934-8630

DOI

Doi 10.1116/1.3622481