Advanced synthesis and characterization of noble metal nanoparticles

Resum

Nanoparticle research is a fascinating branch of science. The strongly size-related properties of nanoparticles offer innumerable opportunities for surprising discoveries. However, the same unprecedented behaviour that endows these nanomaterials with their great potential for innovative technological applications, also poses great challenges for scientists. Some of these challenges are the design of highly controllable and reproducible syntheses and the development of precise characterization tools and handling protocols that may differ from those of conventional materials. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a framework for the design, synthesis, characterization and surface modification of colloidal noble metal nanoparticles, with special focus on gold and silver nanoparticles. The thesis consists on different chapters that are ordered following a logic sequence that starts by the aqueous synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, followed by the characterization of their size-dependent optical and catalytic properties, and finally the exposure of the nanoparticles to biological media.