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Comparative method evaluation for size and size‐distribution analysis of gold nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Hinterwirth Helmut,
Wiedmer Susanne K.,
Moilanen Maria,
Lehner Angela,
Allmaier Günter,
Waitz Thomas,
Lindner Wolfgang,
Lämmerhofer Michael
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of separation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.72
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1615-9314
pISSN - 1615-9306
DOI - 10.1002/jssc.201300460
Subject(s) - dynamic light scattering , nanoparticle , colloidal gold , nanotechnology , zeta potential , particle size , surface plasmon resonance , analyte , surface modification , chemistry , materials science , analytical chemistry (journal) , chromatography
Gold nanoparticles ( GNP s) are popular colloidal substrates in various sensor, imaging, and nanomedicine applications. In separation science, they have raised some interest as a support for sample preparation. Reasons for their popularity are their low cost, ability for size‐controlled synthesis with well‐defined narrow nanoparticle size distributions, as well as straightforward surface functionalization by self‐assembling (thiol‐containing) molecules on the surface, which allows flexible introduction of functionalities for the selective capture of analytes. Most commonly, the method of first choice for size determination is dynamic light scattering ( DLS ). However, DLS has some serious shortcomings, and results from DLS may be misleading. For this reason, in this contribution several distinct complementary nanoparticle sizing methodologies were utilized and compared to characterize citrate‐capped GNP s of different diameters in the range of 13–26 nm. Weaknesses and strengths of DLS , transmission electron microscopy, asymmetrical‐flow field‐flow fractionation and nanoelectrospray gas‐phase electrophoretic mobility molecular analysis are discussed and the results comparatively assessed. Furthermore, the distinct GNP s were characterized by measuring their zeta‐potential and surface plasmon resonance spectra. Overall, the combination of methods for GNP characterization gives a more realistic and comprehensive picture of their real physicochemical properties, (hydrodynamic) diameter, and size distribution.