Why are Gold Nanoparticles important?

Over the past years, graphene nanocomposites have drawn a lot of attention due to their ability to increase physical and chemical properties of matter. Especially graphene/metal nanocomposites create a difference between those because of their ability to combine unique characteristics of both metal and graphene nanoparticles. Considering the outstanding synergic characteristics of hybrid materials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely studied in the family of these nanocomposites.

Applications of Gold Nanoparticles 

AuNP molecules are helpful applicants for the target drug delivery systems because they possess some of the characteristics like tiny amounts, non-toxicity and non-immunogenicity. Moreover, Nano Gold has optical and electronic characteristics that can be adjusted by changing their size, shape, surfaces or aggregation state. Recent research and use of these distinctive optoelectronic characteristics has been undertaken in high-technology applications including organic photovoltaics, sensor samples, therapeutic agents, biological and medical drugs, electronic conductors and catalysis.

How are Gold Nanoparticles formed?

Gold nanoparticles have been prepared in numerous ways. Chemical reduction using agents like sodium citrate and sodium borohydride is the most frequently used method to prepare Gold Nanoparticles However, the chemical approach is affected by solvent toxicity just like time and labor-consuming processes. Due to its easy, quick and green nature, electrochemical deposition is a promising option for manufacturing of nano gold, but it is also restricted by the current fluctuation, which may cause non-uniformity of particle size and distribution. In addition to chemical reduction and electrochemical deposition, thermal annealing is also demonstrated the potential for manufacturing of Gold Nanoparticles but for several hours of work under conditions of over 600°C are extremely energy consuming. So, a new technique which overcomes all these issues is still extremely desirable for nano gold's production.

The New Method for Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles

In the study of Cheng Yang et al.,(2018), from the department  of Light Sources and Illuminating Engineering of Fudan University, One-step synthesis of size-tunable gold nanoparticles / reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites using argon plasma and their applications in sensing and catalysis, a one-step dual reduction of GO and HAuCl₄ using Ar plasma proved an approach for manufacturing gold nanoparticles. The study highlighted a new direction of green, easy, low-cost and scalable for manufacturing of gold nanoparticles, and it paves the way for industrial implementation and mass manufacturing of Gold Nanoparticles. Considering its applications especially in the field of health, mass production of gold nanoparticles becomes more of an issue. 

Read more about Gold Nanoparticles:

Gold (Au) Nanopowder/Nanoparticle Specifications

Gold Nanoparticles/Nanopowder for the Cancer Treatments

Fastest HIV Diagnosis with Gold Nanoparticles/Nanopowder and Graphene