Synthesis of (Au)Ag core-shell nanocomposite in the water- ethanol mixture and its optical properties

The technique of synthesis of (Au)Ag core-shell bimetallic nanocomposite was developed. Gold seed nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by HAuCl₄ reduction with sodium citrate at ultrasonic treatment during 3 hours in a mixture of water – ethanol (1:1). Then, the surface of gold NPs was modified by silver. In the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 (Mw ~ 24000) and K90 (Mw ~ 360000) the coreshell (Au)Ag NPs of spherical shape were formed. They are characterized by aggregate stability and well-defined absorption maximum at 400-514 nm. Composite (Au)Ag, prepared in the solution without a polymer or in the presence of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), dextran T100 and T500, had a broad band plasmon resonance in the whole range of visible spectrum. The ability to use the (Au)Ag core-shell nanoparticles in absorption nanospectroscopy based on the phenomenon of plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET) was evaluated. In the presence of 0,1-2,0 μM of water-soluble cationic Cu (II) -5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-N-methyl pyridinium) porphyrin (CuTMPyP4) distinct dips due to plasmon quenching matched the absorption maximum of CuTMPyP4 were detected in the resonant scattering spectrum of (Au)Ag solution.