Abstract
The oxidation of silver nanoparticles is induced to occur near to, but not at, an electrode surface. This reaction at a distance from the electrode is studied through the use of dark‐field microscopy, allowing individual nanoparticles and their reaction with the electrode product to be visualized. The oxidation product diffuses away from the electrode and oxidizes the nanoparticles in a reaction layer, resulting in their destruction. The kinetics of the silver nanoparticle solution‐phase reaction is shown to control the length scale over which the nanoparticles react. In general, the new methodology offers a route by which nanoparticle reactivity can be studied close to an electrode surface.
Highlights
The reactivity and toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are intimately associated with their redox behavior
This section commences by studying the oxidation of AgNPs in various electrolytes using the nanoimpact method
From an environmental and biological standpoint, the study of the redox chemistry of AgNPs in the solution phase and not at a conductive surface is important for understanding their fate and influence in larger systems
Summary
The reactivity and toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are intimately associated with their redox behavior. Latter was studied by using large ensembles of small Ag particles impacting at a transparent rotating disc electrode.[9] Considering that in the Rayleigh scattering limit the intensity of the light scattered varies with the sixth power of the NP radius,[10,11] under dark-field illumination, individual particles with diameters greater than approximately 20 nm can be readily individually visualized by using a conventional optical microscope This technique allows the study of both the formation[12] and redox chemistry[13] of individual NPs. The development of combined optoelectrochemical setups has enabled the study of individual particles at electrochemical interfaces. Experiment and theory are compared, yielding insight into the complexities of the reaction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
