Characterization of gold/PMMA hybrid nanomaterials synthesized by hard X-ray synchrotron radiation

In this study, new types of hybrid gold poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanomaterials are synthesized. Both PMMA spheres coated with gold nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles coated with PMMA can be synthesized using different ratios of HAuCl4 and MMA precursors, by exposing the mixtures to hard X-ray synchrotron radiation without the use of a reducing agent. According to the photochemical mechanism, gold nanoparticles will precipitate from a solution of HAuCl4 on exposure to synchrotron radiation, followed by the synthesis of PMMA by the polymerization of MMA monomers. These reactions can result in the formation of two different types of new hybrid nanomaterials. When a 1:1 volume ratio of HAuCl4 to MMA is used, we obtain PMMA spheres coated with gold nanoparticles. When a 10:1 ratio of HAuCl4 and MMA is used, we obtain gold nanoparticles coated with PMMA. The hybrid gold/PMMA nanostructures are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, dynamic-light scattering analysis, gel permeation chromatography and Raman spectroscopy. The hybrid nanomaterials have potential application in the fields of biosensors and drug delivery.