Properties of gold nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous solution

Abstract

This work describes the properties of gold nanoparticles synthesized in an aqueous solution via seed mediated growth method. With the seeds mediated growth method, gold nanorods and bipyramids nanoparticles were formed by changing the initial precursors such as concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO3), concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and volume of seed solution. The optimum AgNO3 concentration to synthesize gold nanorods and bipyramids nanoparticles was at 0.004 M. Above 0.004 M AgNO3, the yield of gold nanorods and bipyramids nanoparticles produced decreased and some facet nanoparticles with tips were produced. The optimum CTAB concentration to produce the highest yield of gold nanorods and bipyramids nanoparticles was 0.2 M. Lesser than 0.2 M CTAB lead to formation of irregularly facet nanoparticles with tips. While higher than 0.2 M CTAB, shorter gold nanorod and bipyramids nanoparticles were formed. The optimum volume of seed solution to synthesize gold nanorods and bipyramids nanoparticles was at 2.0 ml. Less than 2.0 ml of seed solution formed branched gold nanoparticles and facet nanoparticles. However, beyond 2.0 ml seed solution, spherical gold nanoparticles were produced.