Formation and encapsulation of gold nanoparticles using a polymeric amine reducing agent

We report on the use of poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) as a reducing agent for the controlled formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the size range of 5-50 nm. The formation of AuNPs using this polymer matrix allows for the AuNPs to be imbedded in the polymer matrix, once formed. The kinetics of AuNP formation are shown to be pseudo first-order in [HAuCl^sub 4^] at room temperature. The kinetics of AuNP formation are controlled by the ratio of reducing agent to HAuCl^sub 4^ as well as the overall concentration of the PAH and HAuCl^sub 4^. Additionally, at low PAH:HAuCl^sub 4^ mole ratios, the plasmon resonance wavelength can be controlled through the ratio of the reactants. This plamson resonance shift is shown to be related to AuNP size by means of TEM imaging data on the AuNPs.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]