Gold Nanoparticle Photopolymerization of Acrylates

We report the photochemical incorporation of stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into a polymer matrix without the use of conventional photoinitiators. AuNPs in the size range of 2-6 nm are modified with 5-mercapto-2,2'-bithiophene. The charge-separated states of the functionalized AuNPs generated upon exposure to UV light are active intermediates that can cause polymerization of an acrylic monomer. Photopolymerization was monitored by near Fourier transform infrared measurements. Scanning electron microscopy reveals uniform distribution of the AuNPs within the matrix and a unique texture of the polymer composite.