Communication: Chemisorption of muonium on gold nanoparticles: A sensitive new probe of surface magnetism and reactivity

Author(s):Show less -

Dehn, M. H. ; Arseneau, D. J. ; Boeni, P. ; Bridges, M. D. ; Buck, T. ; Cortie, D. L. ; Fleming, D. G. ; Kelly, J. A. ; MacFarlane, W. A. ; MacLachlan, M. J. ; McFadden, R. M. L. ; Morris, G. D. ; Wang, P. -X. ; Xiao, J. ; Zamarion, V. M. ; Kiefl, R. F.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Chemical Physics; v. 145, n. 18 NOV 14 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Chemisorption of muonium onto the surface of gold nanoparticles has been observed. Muonium (mu(+)e(-)), a light hydrogen-like atom, reacts chemically with uncapped 7 nm gold nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica (SBA-15) with a strong temperature-dependent rate. The addition rate is fast enough to allow coherent spin transfer into a diamagnetic muon state on the nanoparticle surface. The muon is well established as a sensitive probe of static or slowly fluctuating magnetic fields in bulk matter. These results represent the first muon spin rotation signal on a nanoparticle surface or any metallic surface. Only weak magnetic effects are seen on the surface of these Au nanoparticles consistent with Pauli paramagnetism. Published by AIP Publishing. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/01025-0 - Development of new chemical sensors exploring chirality of silver and gold nanoparticles inside chiral nematic mesoporous silica
• Grantee: Vitor de Moraes Zamarion
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research