Electrochemical Resolution of 15 Oxidation States for Monolayer Protected Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

The first observation of 15 voltammetric quantized charging peaks for a solution of hexanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles (so-called monolayer protected clusters MPCs) at room temperature is reported where the variation in peak spacing with increasing charge stored in the metal core is discussed in terms of MPC capacitance.

Synchronization of coupled single-electron circuits based on nanoparticles and tunneling junctions

“…[3][4][5] The results of Fig. 1͑d͒ were obtained with equal resistances R i = R 0 =10 9 ⍀ ͑this should be much higher than the tunneling resistance͒, different capacitances C i = i aF, i =1,2, ... ,7 ͓these can be achieved by varying the nanoparticle diameters [19][20][21] in Fig. 1͑c͔͒, and V 0 = 100 mV.…”

“…Rather than considering a particular system, we analyze the general properties of the proposed device making use of an ideal model that emphasizes the essential characteristics of the concept. The building block of the device is composed of a nanoparticle ͑NP͒ of capacitance C linked to an electrode ͑ground potential͒ by a tunneling junction ͑e.g., an organic ligand; ligandstabilized metallic nanoparticles [18][19][20][21] permit tunable Coulomb blockade properties and single-electron tunneling 13,22,23 ͒ and to a second electrode ͑applied potential V 0 ͒ by a high resistance R ͓Fig. 1͑a͔͒.…”

Absolute Standard Redox Potential of Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanoclusters

“…This space charge layer has recently been found to influences electron transfer behavior of MPCs under certain conditions. [35][36][37] In conclusion, eq 13 provides a more rigorous definition of the standard redox potential for an MPC. Figure 4a shows a DPV response of as-prepared MPCs in 1,2-dichloroethane electrolyte solution.…”

Redox Properties of Self-Assembled Gold Nanoclusters

“…Because the solution was not degassed, the potential scan in the negative potential side is limited by the oxygen dissolved in the solution. On the other hand, a large potential separation between the first oxidation and the first reduction potential peaks was observed with a current minimum at around -0.30 V. The reason for this phenomenon has been considered to be due to the diffuse double layer outside the protecting monolayer, 7 however, this effect could be worthy of dedicated studies to fully elucidate the phenomenon.…”