Carbon/ Gold Core Shell Nanoparticles (C/Au, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Nonmetallic Core)

Carbon Gold Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Carbon gold core-shell nanoparticles combine the unique properties of carbon and gold in a core-shell structure, offering a wide range of functionalities for advanced applications in nanotechnology, biomedicine, electronics, and catalysis. The carbon core typically consists of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or amorphous carbon, providing exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and surface area. The gold shell, which is often a thin layer of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), imparts properties such as optical activity, biocompatibility, and enhanced stability. This core-shell configuration enables the synergistic combination of carbon’s versatility with gold’s unique electronic and optical properties.

Applications

Biomedical Applications

Drug Delivery: The biocompatibility of gold, combined with the high surface area of the carbon core, makes C/Au nanoparticles ideal for targeted drug delivery. The gold shell can be functionalized with drugs or targeting ligands (such as antibodies) for controlled and targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues.

Cancer Therapy: These nanoparticles can be used in photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment. The gold shell absorbs near-infrared (NIR) light and converts it into heat, which can selectively destroy cancer cells. The carbon core provides stability and conductivity, which enhances the efficiency of therapy.

Imaging and Diagnostics: The gold shell’s optical properties, particularly surface plasmon resonance (SPR), make these nanoparticles excellent candidates for imaging and diagnostic applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, and CT scans. The carbon core also offers an avenue for functionalization to improve image contrast or enable multimodal imaging.

Electrochemical Sensors

Biosensors: The high surface area and electrical conductivity of the carbon core, combined with the biocompatibility of the gold shell, enable the development of highly sensitive and selective biosensors. These sensors can detect a variety of biomolecules (such as glucose, DNA, or proteins) with high specificity and sensitivity.

Gas Sensors: Carbon/gold core-shell nanoparticles can also be used for detecting gases like NO2_22​, CO, and NH3_33​. The gold shell enhances the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor, while the carbon core contributes to improved signal transmission and electrochemical activity.

Catalysis

Electrocatalysis: The gold shell enhances the electrocatalytic properties of carbon-based materials. This makes C/Au nanoparticles useful in fuel cells, particularly for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The carbon core provides a conductive support, while the gold shell catalyzes these important reactions.

Photocatalysis: The gold shell can also be used in photocatalysis, particularly for applications like solar water splitting and environmental pollutant degradation. The LSPR effect of the gold shell can enhance light absorption and promote electron-hole pair generation, improving the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions.

Energy Storage

Supercapacitors and Batteries: The high conductivity and large surface area of the carbon core, combined with the stability of the gold shell, make C/Au nanoparticles promising for use in supercapacitors and batteries. The carbon core provides high charge storage capacity, while the gold shell enhances charge transfer and stability, improving the performance of energy storage devices.