One-step synthesis of gold nanowire network capped by diacetylene molecules under ultrasonic irradiation

The hydrophobic gold nanowire network capped by 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid 2′-aminoethylamide (PCDA-NH2) in chloroform was prepared by using one-step reduction under ultrasonic irradiation. It was shown that the ultrasonication and the molar concentration ratio played important roles in forming and stabilizing the shape of gold nanowire network. The morphology of the gold nanowire network could be controlled by carefully controlling the molar concentration ratio of the polymerizable capping agent to auric chloride. The diameters of gold nanowires within the networks decreased with the increase of the molar concentration ratio. The gold nanowire network was characterized and analyzed by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The formation mechanism of the gold nanowire network was discussed.