Surface Modification of Gold Nanorods with Polymers Synthesized by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-9-2007

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Abstract

Herein we describe the surface modification of gold nanorods via the postpolymerization immobilization of polymers prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Gold nanorods have been synthesized via a three-step seed-mediated process and then subsequently modified with RAFT-preformed poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic acid), and polystyrene homopolymers, with and without the use of reducing agents. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to visually monitor nanorod formations and UV-visible spectroscopy has been used to observe the absorption properties of nanorod formations. Both techniques monitored nanorods with and without surface modifications. This research provides a general and versatile technique for the surface modification of gold nanorods utilizing a wide range of polymers. Polymer modification of nanorods will potentially aid in nanorod self-assembly and ordering processes.

Publication Title

Chemistry of Materials

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

6

Last Page

13

Find in your library

Share

COinS