Reversible formation of gold nanoparticle–surfactant composite assemblies for the preparation of concentrated colloidal solutions

We have developed a simple method for the preparation of nearly mono-dispersed stable gold colloids with a fairly high concentration using a two step procedure. First we synthesize citrate capped gold nanoparticles and then exchange the citrate ions with triethyleneglycolmono-11-mercaptoundecylether (EGMUDE). This leads to the immediate precipitation and formation of composite assemblies. The gold nanoparticles were successfully self-redispersed after a few days. The prepared gold colloid can be easily concentrated up to 20 times by separation of the flocculated part. UV-visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the products thus formed.