Ultra-small quantum-sized gold nanoparticles have garnered a lot of interest recently due to their unique structures and properties, which in turn could be exploited for applications, ranging from catalysis to optics and sensor design. When applied to real-world applications like catalysis at high temperatures in oxidizing environments, an important issue is how to retain the small size of such nanoparticles. In order to tackle this issue, we choose �sol-gel processing� as a method to stabilize these quantum-sized particles, where a transparent silica-based gel encapsulates the nanoclusters, thereby inhibiting their aggregation. In addition, all the unique optical features of these nanoclusters are retained upon gelation. These encapsulated nanoclusters possess largely enhanced thermal stability and hold promise in many catalytic reactions.

Towards stabilization of quantum-sized gold nanoparticles: A “sol-gel” approach

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.