Surfactant layering on mixed monolayer-protected gold clusters

Positively-charged monolayer protected gold clusters (MMPCs) were mixed with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). At lower SDS concentration, the initially water-soluble particles became organic-soluble while remaining discrete. Upon further addition of SDS, the particles aggregate and become water-soluble. NaCN decomposition, TEM, and DLS characterization reveal the morphology and properties of these encapsulated assemblies.