biostudies-literatureMa YAmerican Chemical Society Petroleum Research FundDivision of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems2531-2541https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8842498biostudies-literatureUnknown126(5)The assembled state of nanoparticles (NPs) within porous matrices plays a governing role in directing their biological, electronic, and catalytic properties. However, the effects of the spatial confinement and environmental factors, such as salinity, on the NP assemblies within the pores are poorly understood. In this study, we use adsorption isotherms, spectrophotometry, and small-angle neutron scattering to develop a better understanding of the effect of spatial confinement on the assembled state and catalytic performance of gold (Au) NPs in propylamine-functionalized SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous silica materials (<i>m</i>SiO₂). We carry out a detailed investigation of the effect of pore diameter and ionic strength on the packing and spatial distribution of AuNPs within <i>m</The journal of physical chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and interfacesAdsorption and Catalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles in Mesoporous Silica: Effect of Pore Size and Dispersion Salinity.PMC884249859715-DNI51943986Dooley KMBharti BSiebenburger MMa YKaur RNagy GfalseAdsorption and Catalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles in Mesoporous Silica: Effect of Pore Size and Dispersion Salinity.The assembled state of nanoparticles (NPs) within porous matrices plays a governing role in directing their biological, electronic, and catalytic properties. However, the effects of the spatial confinement and environmental factors, such as salinity, on the NP assemblies within the pores are poorly understood. In this study, we use adsorption isotherms, spectrophotometry, and small-angle neutron scattering to develop a better understanding of the effect of spatial confinement on the assembled state and catalytic performance of gold (Au) NPs in propylamine-functionalized SBA-15 and MCM-41 mesoporous silica materials (<i>m</i>SiO₂). We carry out a detailed investigation of the effect of pore diameter and ionic strength on the packing and spatial distribution of AuNPs within <i>m</2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Feb2025-04-21T23:18:17.712Z2025-04-05T19:05:51.837ZS-EPMC88424983517813810.1021/acs.jpcc.1c09573