Synthesis of thiolate protected Au nanoparticles revisited: U shape trend between the size of nanoparticles and thiol to Au ratio.
We report a new understanding of the factors controlling the size of thiolate protected gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) the formation and the state of a protecting layer (Au(i) thiolate motifs) outside the gold core determine the size of Au NPs, depending on the feeding thiol to Au ratio. As a result, a U shape trend is identified between the size of Au NPs and the thiol to Au ratio as opposed to the commonly expected decreasing trend.
Chemical communications