Investigation into synthesis and the microstructure of silver nanoparticles coated with alkanethiols and thiol-functionalized polymers

Thumbnail Image
Date
2015
Authors
Faghihi, Farhad
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
A comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and the characterization of discrete silver nanoparticles coated with alkanethiols and thiolate functionalized polymers is presented. Small and uniform alkanethiol capped silver nanoparticles were synthesized via the Brust and Schiffrin method. To improve the characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles, the intermediate stage of this reaction was investigated. The major precursor to the silver nanoparticles was identified and its microstructure was characterized. Polymers bearing single or multiple thiolates were prepared by synthesis of well-defined precursors via RAFT polymerization and their subsequent post-polymerization modification. Nanoparticles stabilized with thiol-terminated PMMA were produced via a “grafting-to” process. A novel method was developed for the synthesis of small, uniform, and re-dispersible nanoparticles encapsulated with multiple-thiolate functional random copolymers of vinylbenzyl chloride. The effect of reaction conditions on the quality of these nanoparticles were evaluated. Adsorption of the copolymers on the nanoparticles were studied by 1H NMR relaxation measurements.
Description
Keywords
alkanethiols , discrete silver nanoparticles , thiolate functionalized polymers
Citation