Creating Gold Nanoparticles and Hydrogen in Water Safely without Toxic Chemicals

In a surprising breakthrough, Flinders University researchers in the field of nanotechnology have successfully generated various types of gold nanoparticles by manipulating water flow in a unique vortex fluidic device, all without the use of harmful chemicals. The findings have been documented in the paper titled “Nanogold Foundry Involving High-Shear-Mediated Photocontact Electrification in Water,” which has been published in Small Science.

Insight into Green Chemistry

This innovative work in the field of green chemistry not only facilitated the creation of gold nanoparticles but also unveiled a contact electrification reaction within the device, resulting in the production of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide.

Collaborative Research on Gold Nanoparticles

The collaborative research undertaken by Australian and international scientists explored the manipulation of size and structure of gold nanoparticles through varying VFD processing parameters and concentrations of gold chloride solution.

Novel Phenomenon Discovery

Lead researcher Badriah Mazen Alotaibi shared, “Through this study, we chanced upon a new phenomenon within the vortex fluidic device – the photo-contact electrification process at the solid-liquid interface, which could have implications in various chemical and biological reactions.”

Sustainable Nanoparticle Synthesis

Mr. Alotaibi emphasized, “We were also able to synthesize pure, untainted gold nanoparticles in water using the VFD, eliminating the need for commonly used chemicals and thereby reducing waste. This method holds great importance for the production of nanomaterials due to its environmentally friendly nature, speed, scalability, and generation of nanoparticles with unique properties.”

Applications of Gold Nanoparticles

The size and shape of gold nanoparticles play a crucial role in numerous applications, ranging from drug delivery to catalysis, sensing, and electronics, owing to their diverse physical, chemical, and optical properties.

Significance of Vortex Fluidic Device

The vortex fluidic device, invented by Flinders University Professor Colin Raston a decade ago, consists of a rapidly rotating tube that is open at one end and receives liquids through jet feeds. By adjusting rotational speeds and applying external light within the device, particles can be synthesized to specific requirements.

Advancements in Sustainable Nanoscale Processing

Professor Raston highlighted the global utilization of the continuous flow, thin film fluidic device for exploring and refining more sustainable nano-scale processing methods. The high shear regimes in the VFD were implicated in triggering the quantum mechanical phenomenon of contact electrification, marking a significant development.

Future of Material Synthesis

This groundbreaking discovery signifies a shift in controlled material synthesis using water without the necessity of additional chemicals, paving the way for a more environmentally sustainable future.

More information:
Badriah M. Alotaibi et al, Nanogold Foundry Involving High‐Shear‐Mediated Photocontact Electrification in Water, Small Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202300312