CHED 482 |
| A technique is being developed for producing gold nanoparticles of controlled sizes in large quantities using chloroauric acid and sodium citrate. A reliable and inexpensive technique for making mass quantities of gold nanoparticles is desirable in order to be able to facilitate the use of these tiny particles in commercial and research applications. One of the most promising uses is in an ion-exchange membrane for fuel cells, which acts as a catalyst to convert carbon monoxide and liquid water into carbon dioxide, hydrogen ions, and electrons. Other uses for gold nanoparticles include use as filters for water purification, construction of biosensors, and use as early detectors for a number of cancers. Having successfully produced the gold nanoparticles using the sodium citrate method, it was determined that the particles are too large to be as useful as originally envisioned. Therefore, another method of producing the particles is now being explored. Attempts are being made with solid-state-synthesis using gold powder, phenyl disulfide, and sodium thiocyanate. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |