kultapartikkelien

Kultapartikkelien, meaning "gold particles" in Finnish, typically refers to extremely small pieces of gold, often in the nanometer or micrometer size range. These particles exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that differ significantly from bulk gold due to their high surface area to volume ratio.

The color of gold nanoparticles is notably different from that of bulk gold. Depending on their size and shape, gold nanoparticles can appear red, purple, blue, or even green when dispersed in a liquid. This phenomenon is known as surface plasmon resonance, where the collective oscillation of conduction electrons on the nanoparticle surface interacts with light.

Gold nanoparticles have found applications in various fields. In medicine, they are explored for drug delivery, cancer therapy (photothermal therapy), and diagnostic imaging due to their biocompatibility and optical properties. In electronics, their conductivity makes them useful in developing sensors and conductive inks. They are also used in catalysis, where their large surface area enhances reaction rates. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles can be achieved through chemical reduction methods, often involving gold salts and reducing agents like citrate. Control over the synthesis parameters allows for tailoring the size, shape, and surface characteristics of the particles, which in turn dictates their specific properties and applications.