Fabrication of Gold Nanoparticles of Different Sizes and its Interaction in Aquatic Phase

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe generation of AuNPs was realized in presence of gold chloride (Au3+), and citrate solution as reducing agent. The production of AuNPs was proved by the color change in the solution; from yellow to red wine. Purified nanostructures synthesized at citrate/Au3+ molar ratio of 1.0/10.0 evidenced an absorption peak at 526 nm attributed to the localized surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) which suggested the formation of small gold nanoparticles (NPs). The decrease of citrate/Au3+ molar ratio at 1.0/3.0 provoked a growing of gold nanostructures, which was evidenced by a red shift in the SPR at 546nm. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy technique evidenced the spherical form and sizes for both nanoparticles at the range 10-15 nm (small NPs) and 20-25 nm (big NPs), respectively. Electron Diffraction (ED) patterns for both sizes evidenced the (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222) reflections of face centered cubic (FCC) gold nanostructures. Studies of energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy indicated peaks at 1.65, 2.12, 9.71, 11.58 and 13.38 keV for both nanostructures, which suggests the presence of gold into the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. Interaction tests were carried out in presence of marine crustaceans and different concentrations of gold nanoparticles; including a control test. Both sizes evidenced to be toxic when the concentration and exposure time were increased.