Synthesis and characterization of cyclodextrin capped AU and AG nanoparticles

Abstract

This thesis illustrates the studies made on synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles. Chapter 1 provides an introductory outline on the various preparation and characterization of nanoparticles with attention given to materials that contain metals. Preparation of silver, gold and copper monometallic nanoparticles protected by beta-cyclodextrin was attempted and presented in Chapter 2. The synthetic steps involve the effective use of beta-cyclodextrin as both a reducing and stabilizing agent, and results in self-assembled chains. The factors that cause such self-assembly were explored and discussed. In Chapter 3, stable silver-gold monodispersed alloy nanoparticles were synthesized via a co-reduction method. These alloyed nanoparticles were used as precursor for the formation of gold core and silver iodide shell particles, with the addition of iodine. The synthesis works on a diffusion mechanism, where silver atoms move towards the surface to form silver iodide shell in reaction with the iodine. Characterization of these materials prepared was made using TEM, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and electron diffraction.