Synthesis of Micron Sized Gold Network Structure by Assembling Individual Gold Nanoparticles by Laser Assisted PEGylation Method

In this work we have successfully fabricated & assembled free Gold nanoparticles (diameter 8-10nm) into micron size structured network (with unbroken lengths often more than few microns) by the bottom up method through the process of PEGylation. This was done using only a solid metallic Au target, MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) (combined with DI water with fixed proportion) and a pulsed excimer laser (λ=248nm). The Au networked structure formed in liquid medium is mechanically as well as thermally stable and can be transferred unchanged into a solid substrate which can span a large surface area. The nanochains show a broad optical absorption covering almost the complete visible spectrum. NMR analysis was carried out to understand the formation mechanism of these chains. The process reported does not use any precursor, reducing agent or surfactant and thus can be described as one pot synthesis route and the complete synthesis can be done well within few minutes and instantly br ready to use as there is no further processing is required. It is also biocompatible (as Gold, PEG are non toxic materials for living beings) so can be functionalised and used inside the body for various purposes. This method can be used in mass production of such network structures.