Inorganic Chemistry Commons^™

Self-Assembly Of Inorganic Membranes: Attachment Of Gold Nanoparticles To A Mesoporous Silica Membrane, Jennifer K. Saucier

Honors College

The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles to create thin, densely packed structures several monolayers thick for the synthesis of a membrane. Silica membrane synthesis was examined as a support for deposition of the nanoparticles. Pore size formation and thickness were controlled to promote high flux, defect free layer formation while providing for optimum separation. Silica mesoporous membranes were created through the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate. An ionic block co-polymer was used to control a networked pore formation. The silica sols were dip coated on macroporous alumina supports. The silica membranes were characterized …