Formation of Gold Nanoparticles in the Presence of o-Anisidine and the Dependence of the Structure of Poly(o-anisidine) on Synthetic Conditions

Gold nanoparticles were prepared in an aqueous solution and a 50:50 N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMPD)/toluene mixed solvent using o -anisidine as the reducing agent, respectively. The reaction is conducted by choice of the temperature and medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV−vis absorption spectroscopy measurements show that the size of Au particles is dependent on the synthetic protocols. At the same time, the oxidative polymerization of o -anisidine was achieved. Moreover, the structure of the polymer varied with the preparative conditions. Cross-linked poly( o -anisidine) and poly( o -anisidine) in its doping state (in the form of the emeraldine salt) were obtained, respectively, supported by UV−vis absorption spectra, infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).