Anomalous Vapor Sensor Response of a Fluorinated Alkylthiol-Protected Gold Nanoparticle Film

Monolayer-protected gold nanoparticle films generally swell and increase their electrical resistance when exposed to organic vapors. Films of gold nanoparticles protected by 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) exhibit an anomalous response in which the resistance decreases for all vapors investigated. Electron microscopy illustrates that the PFDT-functionalized gold nanoparticles are hexagonally ordered with an interparticle separation of 3 mn. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements confirm substantial mass uptake, but the relatively large interparticle separation and insulating properties of the gold particles lead to a porous film whose electrical resistance is strongly influenced by changes in the relative permittivity and reversible, vapor-induced changes in film morphology.