Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Michael Leopold
Second Advisor
Carol Parish
Abstract
Multi-layer films of nanoparticles and nanoshells featuring various polymeric linkage molecules have been assembled and their optical properties characterized. The growth dynamics, including molecular weight effects, and stability of the various nanoparticle film constructions, using both single polymer as well as combinations of alternating charge polyelectrolytes as linking mechanisms, are presented. The polymeric linkers studied include poly-L-lysine, poly-L-arginine, poly(allylamine hydrochloride), and polyamidoamine dendrimers. Significantly air stable films were achieved with the use of multi-layered polymeric bridges between the nanoparticles and nanoshells. Optical sensitivity normally observed with these nanomaterials in solution was observed for their corresponding film geometries, with the nanoshell films exhibiting a markedly higher ability to report their local dielectric environment.
Recommended Citation
Galyean, Anne, "Polyelectrolyte-linked, multi-layer film assemblies of aqueous nanoparticles and nanoshells" (2009). Honors Theses. 1040.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1040