Synthesis of Au nanoparticles in the interlayer space of a layered titanate intercalated with 2-aminoethanethiol

The intercalation compound of a layered titanate with 2-aminoethanethiol was synthesized to prepare and support Au nanoparticles with morphology replicated by two-dimensional nanospace. The morphology of the formed Au nano-particles was revealed to be plate, and the thickness and diameter of the platy particles varied with the added amount of Au source; less than 0.7 nm and ca. 6.8 nm, less than 0.9 nm and ca. 6.5 nm, and less than 0.9-1.0 nm and ca. 5.7 nm at molar Au/SH ratios of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0 respectively. Platy Au nanoparticle-supported layered titanate (Au/SH ratio of 0.5) was thermally stable up to 180°C in air and 160°C in helium, respectively.