exTTF-capped gold nanoparticles as multivalent receptors for C60

Abstract

We report the synthesis and C₆₀ binding abilities of gold nanoparticles capped with π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTFAuNPs). The exTTFAuNPs show a strong tendency to aggregate both in solution and in the solid state through multiple weak exTTF-exTTF interactions. A thorough collection of experiments demonstrates that upon addition of C₆₀, stable noncovalent exTTFAuNP·C₆₀ associates are formed, with concomitant partial disaggregation of the nanoparticles.