Fluorescent poly(methacryloxy quinolin) microparticles allowing simultaneous gold detection with additive-free photocatalytic synthesis of raspberry-like gold nanoparticles and gold nanoparticle decorated microparticles

• Published in: European polymer journal 2020-04, Vol.129, p.109623, Article 109623
• Main Authors: Dikmen, Zeynep, Javanifar, Roshan, Bütün, Vural
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical materials; Biosensors; Chemical synthesis; Donor materials; Evolution; Fluorescence; Fluorescent microparticles; Gold; Gold sensor; Microparticles; Multi-functional microparticles; Nanocrystals; Nanoparticles; Nanoreactor polymer particles; Polymerization; Polymers; Quinoline; Self-assembly; Sodium dodecyl sulfate; Substrates; Suspension polymerization; Ultraviolet radiation
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109623

Fluorescent poly(methacryloxy quinolin) microparticles have been successfully synthesized and used in the synthesis of AuNPs and additive-free evolution of spherical AuNPs to raspberry-like nanostructures. These microparticles have great response to gold ions and allows simultaneous gold detection from aqueous solution. Dedection of Au and one-step synthesis of spherical and raspberry-like AuNPs in a quite short time is a remarkable development in the nanoparticle technology. [Display omitted] •First report on the preparation of flourescent PMAQ microparticles.•Novel microparticles having great interaction with metal cations.•Gold sensing with flourescent quenching mechanism.•Gold nanoparticle formation and evolution of gold from seed to crystals.•Easy preparation of raspberry-like AuNPs and AuNP decorated microparticles with simultaneous detection of gold existence. Novel, fluorescent polymer particles based on poly(8-methacryloxy quinoline) (PMAQ) have been synthesized via suspension and mini-suspension polymerization with a diameter between 400 nm and 4 µm. Usage of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) co-stabilizer causes formation of smaller microparticles with rough surfaces. Easy, one step and additive free synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is firstly achieved by using these new fluorescent microparticles as electron donor material and stabilizer. It is observed that the surfaces of the microparticles is successfully covered by a self-assembled layer of AuNPs. An evolution for different stages of AuNPs formation on PMAQ microparticles or colloidal raspberry-like AuNPs is offered. Raspberry-like AuNPs consist of hundereds of smaller AuNPs that result in higher surface area. Hovewer, Au nanocrystals on PMAQ are obtained in the last stage of evolution. Gold existense is also detected simultaneously due to its fluorescence quenching property during interaction with microparticles. Moreover UV-light assisted AuNPs synthesis on the PMAQ microparticles is achived in a quite short time. The Au content of the AuNP-polymer hybrid particles is determined to be 12 wt%with ICP-MS studies. These unique particles are promising candidates for various applications such as in catalysis, biosensor technology, biomedical applications, and easily prepared SERS substrates.