Colloidal noble metal nanoparticles, due to their size and optical properties, have been used extensively in the field of plasmonics. Arranging noble metal nanoparticles into films is a growing area of research that shows much promise in developing flexible plasmonic sensors. Often, nanoparticle films are made through laborious methods such as electron beam lithography or the use of a complicated solvent system. We have developed a simple procedure to produce nanoparticle films that uses citrate-capped gold and silver nanoparticles and a simple solvent system to induce nanoparticle film formation. This formation process involves adsorption of gold nanoparticles on a functionalized substrate, followed by a delamination process of the particles from the substrate at an air/water interface to form a film. During film formation, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics of the film change as the dispersed particles appear red in solution and then take on a more metallic appearance when arranged into a macro-sized, monolayer film. The effects of surface chemistry, surface energy, and solvent in film formation will be discussed. The films have been captured onto substrates that have varying topological features while still remaining intact. Because the films possess nanovoids, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements were explored. The films are candidates for development as versatile, flexible sensors to detect chemical and biological targets.

Assembly of free-standing, flexible, citrate-capped gold nanoparticle films at the air-water interface

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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