Synthetic routes to silica-coated gold nanorods

The surface functionalization of gold nanorods has numerous applications for medical therapeutics, sensing, and other optoelectronic enhancement related phenomena. Surface chemistry of these particles can be altered by tuning the charge, chemical groups, and reactivity at the surface. Specifically, this thesis will focus on the synthesis of a silica coating on the surface of gold nanorods. First, work pioneered by Liz-Marzán in silica coating of gold nanorods via mPEG- SH coated rods followed by a silane will be explored. Next, alternate routes involving modified Stöber methods will be examined. Finally, novel routes that include various silicate and silane coatings will be elucidated. Silica coating of gold nanorods has received much attention due to its application in varying arenas such as SERS and therapeutics. Therefore, some initial results based on collaborations with the Gewirth group will be shown that validate and guide future efforts to coat these rods with silica.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Materials Science & Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Walker, Meredith

Contributors dc:contributor

• Murphy, Catherine J.

• gold nanorods
• silica-coated gold nanorods

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Meredith Walker

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/30959

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/30959