Thin films of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are of interest because of their unique, physiochemical properties. These thin films have potential applications in electrical devices, chemical sensing, and biosensing. Retaining the integrity of the thin film is important for such applications. The purpose of this project is to assess the temporal stability and determine the mechanisms of degradation of thin films of AuNPs on glass substrates. Thin films were fabricated through a layer-by-layer deposition process. Clean glass substrates were sequentially immersed in solutions of 3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane, synthesized AuNPs, and 1-dodecanethiol (DT). The wettability of each layer was characterized with contact angle goniometry. Upon the completion of thin film fabrication, slides were immersed in ultrapure water and changes in wettability were observed over a 7-day period. Although thin films of gold had more hydrophobic surfaces than DT-containing controls lacking AuNPs, there was still a significant decrease in contact angle once the films were immersed in high purity water. Preliminary results from inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy indicate that the degradation of the thin film does not result from the loss of AuNPs from the slide. Another potential source of degradation is the desorption of DT via oxidation of the thiolate headgroup. Thin films with an additional immersion in an antioxidant were investigated. Results from these studies will be described.

Thin films of gold nanoparticles: Temporal stability and mechanisms of degradation

249th National Meeting (2015)

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