Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared by reducing HAuCl4 with NaBH4. Their average particle sizes could be tuned in the range of 1.7 and 8.2 nm, by adjusting the amount of NaBH4 used during synthesis. The obtained Au NPs (colloids) were then loaded onto a commercial Al2O3 support to prepare Au/Al2O3 catalysts with tunable Au particle sizes. An optimal pH value (5.9) of the Au colloid soluti...

Fibrinogen (Fg) nanofibrils were prepared by the ethanol-induced self-assembly of Fg molecules, which can be used as fibrous scaffolds to organize gold nanoparticles (NPs).

Using in situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we visualized a stepwise self-assembly of surfactant-coated and hydrated gold nanoparticles (NPs) into linear chains or branched networks. The NP binding is facilitated by linker molecules, ethylenediammonium, which form hydrogen bonds with surfactant molecules of neighboring NPs. The observed spacing between bound neighboring NP...

Carbon dots (CDs) have many fascinating fluorescent properties, however, their low quantum yield limits their applications. In this study, the photoluminescence (PL) of CDs in the vicinity of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is enhanced significantly due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the Au NPs. This is achieved by conjugating Au NPs and CDs to dendrimers (PAMAM) through an amidation rea...

In this report, we present a new method for visual detection of Pb2+. Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) were synthesized in one step at room temperature, using gallic acid (GA) as reducer and stabilizer. Pb2+ is added during the gold nanoparticle formation. Analysis of Pb2+ is conducted by a dual strategy, namely, colorimetry and spectrometry. During Au-NPs synthesis, addition of Pb2+ would lead to f...

We describe the synthesis of gold nanorods (NRs) nucleated by HgTe nanoparticles (NPs) of average size 3 nm in diameter. Growth of ~200 nm by ~50 nm NRs on various surfaces is achieved by using an intermediary polyelectrolyte layer. A poly(dimethyldiallylammonium) chloride (PDDA) monolayer on the surface attracts the thioglycolic acid (TGA) capped HgTe NPs and assists in one-dimensional gold gr...

Applying nanotechnology to plant science requires efficient systems for the delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) to plant cells and tissues. The presence of a cell wall in plant cells makes it challenging to extend the NP delivery methods available for animal research. In this work, research is presented which establishes an efficient NP delivery system for plant tissues using the biolistic method. ...

We report a novel biochemical method based on the sacrificial hydrogen strategy to synthesize bimetallic gold (Au)-palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) with a core/shell configuration. The ability of Escherichia coli cells supplied with H(2) as electron donor to rapidly precipitate Pd(II) ions from solution is used to promote the reduction of soluble Au(III). Pre-coating cells with Pd(0) (bioPd) ...

Plasmonic hot-electron generation has recently come into focus as a new scheme for solar energy conversion. So far, however, due to the relatively narrow bandwidth of the surface plasmon resonances and the insufficient resonant light absorption, most of plasmonic photocatalysts show narrow-band spectral responsivities and small solar energy conversion efficiencies. Here we experimentally demons...

Biological methods of nanoparticles synthesis are ecologically sound and sustainable alternative to the conventional methods. On the basis of aforesaid premise, the present study deals with the optimization and fabrication of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) using easily available bio-resource, Delonix regia leaf extract. The use of practically nontoxic natural extracts and water allows the synthesi...