II. Formation of Gold Nanoparticles in Vycor Glass
Vycor is a glass that contains microchannels measuring approximately 40 angstroms in diameter. Incorporation of gold nanoparticles into these channels could form the basis of a unique material displaying non-linear optical effects. The Vycor is doped with Au(III), and photolyzed with UV light. Particle formation begins within minutes, and is noted by a color change in the glass from yellow (due to the LCMT of the chromophore) to dark blue. With this color change, there is an increase in the plasmon resonance above 500nm, typical for gold particles. Unlike the gel system, this is an irreversible process.
