Aqueous-Organic Phase Transfer of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Thiol-Modified Oleic Acid

Abstract

The handling of metallic nanoparticles often requires their dispersion into several polar and nonpolar solvents. Solid-phase stages or polymer-based ligands are commonly required to complete the transfer. The construction of a thiol ligand based in oleic acid, and its ability to efficiently assist in gold and silver nanoparticle aqueous–organic phase transfer is reported. After the transfer, the particles are completely dispersed in an organic solvent, preserving their diameter and morphology, as confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron micrographs.

Keywords

• gold nanoparticles
• silver nanoparticles
• phase transfer
• oleic acid