Date Approved
2010
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Chemistry
Committee Member
Dr. Timothy Brewer
Committee Member
Dr. Maria Milletti
Committee Member
Dr. Larry Kolopajlo
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles of varying sizes were synthesized. Their effects on enhancing or quenching the photochemical processes of tryptophan fluorescence, a ruthenium complex decay constant and chemiluminescence of luminol and ferricyanide, were studied. The tryptophan fluorescence was slightly enhanced by smaller nanoparticles and showed slight quenching in the presence of larger nanoparticles. The tris (2,2’-bipyridyl ruthenium (II) chloride) complex was excited using a 532 nm laser, and the decay constant was measured. Neither gold nor silver nanoparticles showed an impact on this process. The luminol chemiluminescence was studied with an emphasis on holding the concentration of nanoparticles, surface area, and silver constant in separate trials to assist in understanding of the interaction between the properties of nanoparticles and light enhancement. Nanoparticles that are of a medium size of 30 to 50 nm in diameter show the greatest enhancement regardless of the parameter held constant.
Recommended Citation
Milam, Scott, "Effects of silver nanoparticles on photochemical processes focusing on luminol chemiluminescence" (2010). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 303.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/303