Aqueous Gold Nanoparticles Generated by AC and Pulse-Power-Driven Plasma Jet

Abstract

In this study, we developed a simple-to-use approach based on an atmospheric pressure plasma jet to synthesize aqueous Au nanoparticles (AuNP). Special attention was paid to the different reaction dynamics and AuNP properties under AC and pulse-power-driven plasma jets (A-Jet and P-Jet, respectively). The morphology of the AuNP, optical emissions, and chemical reactions were analyzed. Further, a copper mesh was placed above the reaction cell to evaluate the role of electrons and neutral species reduction. A visible color change was observed after the A-Jet treatment for 30 s, while it took 3 min for the P-Jet. The A-Jet treatment presented a much higher AuNP growth rate and a smaller AuNP diameter compared with the P-Jet treatment. Further analysis revealed an increase in chemical concentrations (Cl- and H2O2) and liquid conductivity after plasma treatment, with a higher increased amplitude for the A-Jet case. Moreover, the electrons alone had little effect on AuNP generation, while neutral species showed a clear Au+ reduction effect, and a unique coupling effect between both reactions was observed. The different reaction dynamics between the A-Jet and P-Jet were attributed to their different local heating effects and different discharge power during the reaction.