CHED 340 |
| Thin films of metal nanoparticles deposited on substrates are being investigated for use in a variety of applications, ranging from biosensing to microelectronics. Here, we report the moderate- to long-term stability of gold nanoparticle thin films on glass substrates. Specifically, clean glass substrates are exposed to a coupling agent, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, to create a surface with accessible amines. The functionalized glass substrate is then exposed to a solution of gold nanoparticles, which adsorb to the surface through the terminal amine. Finally, the gold nanoparticle-coated glass samples are immersed in a solution containing one of several types of alkanethiol molecules such as either methyl- or oligo(ethylene glycol)-terminated alkanethiols. The alkanethiol forms a self-assembled monolayer on the gold nanoparticles. The functionalized nanoparticle thin films are then characterized using contact angle analysis and optical methods. Parameters affecting the longitudinal stability of the nanoparticle films, such as nanoparticle size and alkanethiol type, will be discussed. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |