Nanoporous gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanoporous gold nanoparticles are fabricated by combining a thermal dewetting process of Au/Ag bi-layer films and a dealloying process. As the gold concentration is small enough within the dewetted nanoparticles, a complete chemical removal of Ag can be achieved and there is a size shrinking during the dealloying process. The nanoporous gold nanoparticles possess a much higher surface-to-volume ratio than bulk nanoporous gold films or gold nanoparticles. The nanoporous nanoparticles have a potential usage in chemical, photonic, and catalytic applications.