Encapsulation and Growth of Gold Nanoparticles in Thermoresponsive Microgels
R. Contreras-Cáceres, A. Sánchez-Iglesias, M. Karg, I. Pastoriza-Santos, J. Pérez-Juste, J. Pacifico, T. Hellweg, A. Fernández-Barbero, L.M. Liz-Marzán:
Advanced Materials, 20, 9, 1666-1670 (2008)
doi: 10.1002/adma.200800064
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Gold nanoparticles are encapsulated within thermoresponsive pNIPAM migrogels through an easy two-step protocol. The core/shell structure of the composite is characterized by TEM, AFM, PCS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The restricted environment and the high porosity of the microgel shell are studied through the overgrowth of the gold core.