Adams S.M., Ragan R.
University of California Irvine, US
Keywords: nanoparticle, self-assembly, sensor, thin film
Self-assembly of metallic nanoparticles were investigated for the development of field-enhanced chemical and biological detection devices with the capacity to achieve single-molecule level detection resulting from surface enhanced Raman scattering, associated with closely spaced noble metal nanostructures. Strong scattering from the interacting surface plasmons of metal nanoparticles in the patterned array is also applicable to enhancement of photovoltaic technology, in which the dipole interactions increase the optical path of incident light in the absorber layers of photovoltaic solar cells. Using chemical self-assembly, we attached monodisperse, colloidal gold nanoparticles on self-organized polymer templates, patterning arrays of nanoparticle clusters with sub-10 nanometer interparticle spacing in order to engineer enhanced optical fields. Poly(methyl methacrylate) domains in phase-separated polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer thin films were chemically modified with surface amination for varied arrangements. Chemically synthesized sub-20 nm diameter gold nanoparticles were attached to the amine-functionalized surfaces using EDC linking chemistry with thioctic acid ligand-bound to the nanoparticle surface. Chemical assembly techniques with fluidic colloids show an achievable method for inexpensive production of arrays of gold nanostructures suitable for biomolecular sensors with low detection limits and enhanced photovoltaics.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 620 - 623
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3401-5