A novel in situ AuNPs synthesis by electrospinning technique

Abstract

This study presents a new route for in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and nanofibers using PEO-Gelatin as the supporting polymer via the electrospinning technique. Variation in the size and shape of the AuNPs significantly impacts their properties and applications, emphasizing the importance of precise methods for their synthesis. The proposed approach in this study aims to synthesize AuNPs and nanofibers simultaneously during the electrospinning process without the need for external reducing agents. This methodology offers significant advantages, such as conducting the reaction at room temperature while simultaneously synthesizing nanoparticles and fibers without requiring additional purification processes. The current work describes the synthesis conditions by adding chloroauric acid precursor (HAuCl₄▪3H₂0) to the polymer solution for electrospinning and in situ reduction at a voltage of 14 kV. Additionally, the morphology of the fibers and particles was explored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), revealing hexagonal particles with an average size of 12 nm. The presence of AuNPs was confirmed via UV-Vis spectroscopy through Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) at λ_max 532 nm. Finally, it was found that the precursor reduction is dependent on pH, polymer functional groups, and applied voltage.