Droplet microfluidics for the highly controlled synthesis of branched gold nanoparticles

Author(s)

Abalde-Cela, Sara ^{[1, 2]} ; Taladriz-Blanco, Patricia ^{[3, 1, 4]} ; de Oliveira, Marcelo Ganzarolli ^[3] ; Abell, Chris ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Cambridge, Dept Chem, Lensfield Rd, Cambridge CB2 1EW - England

^[2] Int Iberian Nanotechnol Lab INL, Avda Mestre Jose Veiga, P-4715310 Braga - Portugal

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Chem, CP 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] TU Braunschweig, Inst Mikrotech IMT, Alte Salzdahlumer Str 203, D-38124 Braunschweig - Germany

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 8, FEB 5 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 18

Abstract

The synthesis of anisotropic metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has been a field of intense and challenging research in the past decade. In this communication, we report on the reproducible and highly controllable synthesis of monodisperse branched gold nanoparticles in a droplet-based microfluidics platform. The process has been automated by adapting two different bulk synthetic strategies to microdroplets, acting as microreactors, for NP synthesis: a surfactant-free synthesis and a surfactant-assisted synthesis. Microdroplets were generated in two different microfluidic devices designed to accommodate the requirements of both bulk syntheses. The epitaxial growth of AuNSTs inside the microdroplets allowed for a fine control of reagent mixing and local concentrations during particle formation. This is the first time branched gold NPs have been synthesised in a microfluidics platform. The monodispersity of the product was comparable to the synthesis in bulk, proving the potential of this technology for the continuous synthesis of high quality anisotropic NPs with improved reproducibility. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/01685-2 - Real-time detection of nitric oxide in microdroplets via in situ SERS and SAXS spectroscopies
• Grantee: Patricia Taladriz Blanco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 16/02414-5 - Topical and absorbable biomaterials for the local nitric oxide release
• Grantee: Marcelo Ganzarolli de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants