Preparation of Au nanoparticles in the interlayer space of a layered alkali silicate modified with alkylthiol groups

The preparation of Au nanoparticles in the interlayer space of a layered alkali silicate, octosilicate, modified with alkylthiol groups that are known to interact with Au was analyzed. The modification of the interlayer space of octosilicate with alkylthiol groups was conducted through silylation of octosilicate with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) using the dodecyltrimethylammonium-exchanged form as the intermediate. It was also found that the formation of Au nanoparticles in the interlayer space of MPS-oct was indicated both by the JR and the UV spectra. It was also found that the diameter and thickness of the presently formed Au plates were smaller than the previous plates and the diameter of the interlayer space can be increased by changing the amount of the added HAuCI₄. The results show that the modification method can be applied to a wide variety of interlayer hydroxyl-group-bearing layered materials with different nanostructures and compositions.