Optimization of accurate controlled formation of Au MNPs via non-thermal microplasma continuous glow discharge within aqueous electrochemical (GDE) method

Abstract

In this work, micro plasma-induced non-equilibrium liquid chemistry was utilized to synthesize and controlled formation of gold metallic nanoparticles (Au MNPs) by governing the concentration of (HAuCl4). These new approaches based on both plasma and liquid electrolytes contain charged species, and the interactions between the two phases represent a unique combination of physics, chemistry, and materials science. Continuous and stable DC glow discharge was done in home–made cavity to synthesize the definite sizes of (Au MNPs) by means of (3 kV) discharge voltage and (2 mA) discharge current for a period of (7 min) in aqueous solution of HAuCl4 with four different concentrations of about 1 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM at room temperature. The atmospheric pressure plasma discharge between stainless steel capillary tube cathode electrode over the (HAuCl4) solution and platinum plate as an anode dipped in solution for rapid formation of colloidal Au MNPs. Morphology aspects of the synthesized Au MNPs layer were studied by examining the (FE-SEM), HR-TEM images and X-ray difraction (XRD) pattern. Optical features of (Au MNPs) were considered via a UV–Vis beam spectrophotometer. These measurements showed that Au MNPs were organized by governing the concentration of HAuCl4, and uniform Au MNPs with specific exclusive sizes were acquired. Grain size, specific surface area and optical stability of Au MNPs strongly be affected by the HAuCl4 concentrations.