Aqueous synthesis of alkanethiolate-protected Ag nanoparticles using Bunte salts.

The one-pot synthesis of monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles derived from sodium S-dodecylthiosulfate (Bunte salt) in aqueous solution is described. Silver nanoparticles, which were produced by the borohydride reduction of silver nitrate in H2O, were stabilized by the adsorption of S-dodecylthiosulfate followed by the removal of the SO3- moiety. Temporary stabilization of silver sols by the adsorption of borohydride and borate prevented aggregation of silver nanoparticles in H2O. The syntheses of other metal nanoparticles, including gold, copper, and palladium particles in H2O, were less successful. Gold and copper particles were completely aggregated and precipitated out immediately after the addition of NaBH4, yielding only insoluble clusters. Stable and soluble palladium nanoparticle could be prepared, but the presence of Pd-thiolate complex was also observed. These nanoparticles were characterized using 1H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.