Nanoparticle Capping Agent Controlled Electronâ Transfer Dynamics in Ionic Liquids

Herein, we report a change in the mechanism of the oxidation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with the molecular weight of a poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) capping agent. Characterisation of the modified nanoparticles is undertaken using dynamic light scattering and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Electrochemical analyses reveal that the oxidation of 6000â molecular weight (MW) PEG is consistent with a polymerâ gated mechanism, whilst for 2000â MW PEG the polymer does not hinder the oxidation. The 10,000â MW PEG Ag NPs are rendered almost electrochemically inactive. This study demonstrates the ability to alter and better understand the electronâ transfer mechanism in a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) by systematically altering the capping agent.Go nano! A change in the mechanism of the oxidation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with the molecular weight of a poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) capping agent is reported. Electrochemical analyses reveal that the oxidation of 6000â molecular weight (MW; see figure) PEG is consistent with a polymerâ gated mechanism, whilst for 2000â MW PEG the polymer does not hinder the oxidation.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137388/1/chem201505117-sup-0001-misc_information.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137388/2/chem201505117.pd