Discrete gold nanoparticles with diameters between 2 and 3 nanometers (nm) show remarkable properties including enhanced catalytic behavior and photoluminescence. However, tunability of these properties is limited by the tight size range within which they are observed. Here, we report the synthesis of discrete bimetallic nanoparticle alloys (diameter ? 2-3 nm) where gold is mixed in combination with a wide range of transition metals. Interestingly, although both theory and experiment indicate the particles are metallic, they display bright photoluminescent properties that can be tuned by changing the alloy composition. Electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and pulsed field gradient stimulated echo 1H NMR measurements show that the nanoparticles are homogeneous, discrete, and crystalline.  The impact of surface chemistry on the formation and physical properties of these materials will be discussed as well as their utility in NIR imaging and reaction-tracking applications.

Colloidal nanoparticle alloys

247th National Meeting (2014)

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