Date of Award
8-2014
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Legacy Department
Chemical Engineering
Committee Member
Dr. Christopher L. Kitchens, Committee Chair
Committee Member
Dr. David Bruce
Committee Member
Dr. Mark Roberts
Committee Member
Dr. Brian A. Powell
Committee Member
Dr. O. Thompson Mefford
Abstract
Rational design of nanoparticle surface chemistry offers the ability to control nanoparticle characteristics such as size, polydispersity, shape, dispersibility in various solvents, functionality and end fate. Ligand exchange has proved to be is a versatile method for modifying the surface of plasmonic nanoparticles. Ligand exchange has provided a “green” alternative to traditional biphasic syntheses that require large amounts of phase transfer catalysts. Ligand exchange can also be used to reduce the amount of post synthesis processing and waste when it is conducted on nanoparticles that have been synthesized with a method that affords control over nanoparticle size and polydispersity. Ligand exchange is also an important reaction to consider when determining the end fate of nanomaterials due to the fact that when nanoparticles enter the natural environment, they will be exposed to a variety of natural ligands and electrolytes. We have conducted a comprehensive review of ligand exchange literature and used isothermal titration calorimetry to investigate ligand binding and exchange on gold nanoparticles experimentally. We have also investigated the impact that citrate and natural organic matter surface chemistries have on the transport properties of silver nanoparticles. This work has led to a greater understanding of the influencing factors on the mechanism of nanoparticle ligand binding and exchange.
Recommended Citation
Hart, Ashley E., "Synthesis, Design, and Environmental Fate of Metallic Nanoparticles" (2014). All Dissertations. 1784.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/1784