Directly Monitoring the Growth of Gold Nanoparticle Seeds into Gold Nanorods

Abstract

This paper describes the use of atomic force microscopy to directly image surface-attached 3-5 nm diameter gold nanoparticle seeds before and after seed-mediated growth into gold nanorods (Au NRs) and other shapes (spheres, triangles, and hexagons). Results show that Au NRs form from seeds growing in either one or two directions. A direct correlation exists between seed diameter and NR diameter; small diameter seeds form small diameter NRs. However, correlation between seed diameter and nanostructure shape or NR length is less evident. We describe our results in terms of growth mechanisms proposed in the literature and discuss possible reasons for the large size dispersity observed for surface-grown Au NRs. A better understanding of Au NR and other metal and semiconductor one-dimensional (1D) growth processes is necessary to improve synthesis, tailor their properties, and utilize 1D nanostructures for useful technological applications.

Spectrally selective coatings of gold nanorods on architectural glass

“…In contrast, modeling showed that a window coating consisting of a mixture of gold nanorods with aspect ratios ranging from 3 to 10 would be much better than hemispheres and would effectively block light in the 800 to 1500 nm region . Although various schemes have been reported for directly attaching gold nanorods to glass (Niidome et al, 2004, Gole and Murphy, 2005, Gole et al, 2004, Wei and Zamborini, 2004, the resulting coatings were of insufficient optical density for our purposes. In contrast, it has been reported (Pérez-Juste et al, 2005, van der Zande et al, 1999 that gold nanorods could be readily dispersed in aqueous poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) from which thin polymer films of reasonable optical density could be obtained.…”

Noble Metal Nanoparticles and Their (Bio) Conjugates. I. Preparation

“…The template mechanism was also questioned by Pileni and co-workers who have shown that spherical reverse micelles induce not only spheres (0D) but also various other nonspherical particle (1D) (Salzemann et al, 2004). Furthermore, Wei and Zamborini AFM studies did not find any correlation between seed size and nanostructure shape or stabilizer concentration, underscoring the importance of the particle nucleation or initial seed structure, rather than other-shape evolution (Wei & Zamborini, 2004). On the contrary, Gole and Murphy have reported some changes in the dimensions of the nanorods as a function of seed size and stabilizer concentration (Gole & Murphy, 2004).…”

Applications of the Planar Fiber Optic Chip

“…A seed based method Wei & Zamborini, 2004) was performed directly on the FOC platform. In short, the process required three stages.…”