Synthesis of Gold and Platinum Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution Using a Redox Active Metal-Organic Framework

Abstract

Shaped gold nanoparticles (triangular, square, hexagonal shapes with size 20-75 nm

circular shape with size 5-15 nm) and platinum nanoparticles (circular shape with size 1.8-2.5 nm) have been fabricated by the simple immersion of a redox active coordination polymer or metal organic framework (SNU-M55) in the aqueous solutions of NaAuCl4•6H2O and K2PtCl4, respectively, without the assistance of an external mediator. SNU-M55, which is constructed using a light sensitizing Ru(bpy)32+ moiety, a bismacrocyclic Ni(II) complex, and a dicarboxylate ligand, is shown to have previously unprecendented redox capabilities, capable of synthesizing platinum nanoparticles via simple immersion in the metal precursor, which has never been reported. Although the catalytic activity of the composite material was tested, no significant results were obtained.