Gold nanoparticles with different graft densities of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) were synthesized, and their salt induced agglomeration was studied by monitoring their localized surface plasmon resonance, hydrodynamic diameter, and direct visualization.  Below the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer, the hydrodynamic diameter and localized surface plasmon resonance displayed no difference between the high and low graft density coated particles.  All particles were stable in water both above and below the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer.  However above the polymer’s lower critical solution in a salt solution, nanoparticle agglomeration occurred.  The degree of agglomeration was dependent upon the graft density, with higher degrees of agglomeration occurring for lower graft densities. The agglomeration was irreversible for low graft densities.

Thermoresponsive nanoparticle agglomeration reversibility in salt: Dependence on graft density

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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