Electric field-driven interfacial reduction of metal ions in microdroplets: gold, silver, and nickel.

ABSTRACT: A bulk aqueous solution containing 100 μM HAuCl₄ has been shown to spontaneously form gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in 2-3 days when stored at room temperature. We demonstrate that Au NPs can be spontaneously formed within a few microseconds to milliseconds when the same solution is sprayed in the form of microdroplets (10-30 μm in diameter) using N₂ as the nebulizing gas under ambient conditions. The rapid formation of Au NPs establishes that the air-water interface of microdroplets plays a dominant role. The reduction of metal ions in water microdroplets is driven by electron transfer at the air-water interface of water microdroplets aided by the strong electric field and the lack of three-dimensional solvation at the surface. The reduction of metal is accompanied by

SUBMITTER: Bose S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12305125 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature