Nanoparticle‐Imprinted Polymers: Shell‐Selective Recognition of Au Nanoparticles by Imprinting Using the Langmuir–Blodgett Method

Abstract

Abstract Speciation of nanoparticles, that is, their differentiation based on size, shape and stabilizing shell is becoming important since their properties depend on these parameters. Nanoparticle‐imprinted polymers (NIPs) are a new approach that aims to selectively recognize nanoparticles based on their structural properties. In this study, monolayers of cellulose acetate (CA) accommodating gold nanoparticles stabilized with dodecanethiol (AuNPs/C12) are transferred onto indium tin oxide (ITO) by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. One to five monolayers are assembled. Electrochemical oxidation dissolves the AuNPs/C12 to form cavities in the films, which fit the size and shape of the AuNPs/C12. Reuptake of the nanoparticles from a solution is successful using the imprinted films, whereas the control films containing only CA layers do not reuptake the AuNPs/C12. The NIPs are highly selective and other gold nanoparticles stabilized by other thiols are not recognized by the imprinted matrix.