Nanoparticle adsorption at liquid-vapor surfaces: influence of nanoparticle thermodynamics, wettability, and line tension

Langmuir. 2011 Aug 16;27(16):9979-84. doi: 10.1021/la201791g. Epub 2011 Jul 12.

Abstract

We developed a statistical mechanical theory that describes the adsorption of nanoparticles (NPs) at liquid-vapor surfaces. This theory accounts for the surface to bulk NP thermodynamic equilibrium, as well as the NP mechanical equilibrium, wettability, and line tension at liquid-vapor surfaces. The theory is tested by examining the adsorption of 5 nm diameter dodecanethiol-ligated gold NPs at the liquid-vapor surface of a homologous series of n-alkane solvents, from n-nonane to n-octadecane, where the NP wettability decreases with an increasing n-alkane chain length.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Thermodynamics
  • Wettability

Substances

  • Gold