Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Christine M. Aikens / The remarkable optical and luminescence properties of noble metal nanoparticles (with diameters < 2 nm) attract researchers due to potential applications in biomedicine, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics. Extensive experimental investigations on luminescence properties of thiolate-protected gold and silver nanoclusters during the past decade have failed to unravel their exact photoluminescence mechanism. Herein, density functional and time-dependent density functional theory (DFT and TDDFT) calculations are performed to elucidate electronic-level details of several such systems upon photoexcitation. Multiple excited states are found to be involved in photoemission from Au₂₅(SR)₁₈– nanoclusters, and their energies agree well with experimental emission energies. The Au₁₃ core-based excitations arising due to electrons excited from superatom P orbitals into the lowest two superatom D orbitals are responsible for all of these states. The large Stokes shift is attributed to significant geometrical and electronic structure changes in the excited state. The origin of photoluminescence of Ag₂₅(SR)₁₈– nanoclusters is analogous to their gold counterparts and heteroatom doping of each cluster with silver and gold correspondingly does not affect their luminescence mechanism. Other systems have been examined in this work to determine how widespread these observations are. We observe a very small Stokes shift for Au₃₈(SH)₂₄ that correlates with a relatively rigid structure with small bond length changes in its Au₂₃ core and a large Stokes shift for Au₂₂(SH)₁₈ with a large degree of structural flexibility in its Au₇ core. This suggests a relationship between the Stokes shift of gold−thiolate nanoparticles and their structural flexibility upon photoexcitation. The effect of ligands on the geometric structure and optical properties of the Au₂₀(SR)₁₆ nanocluster is explored. Comparison of the relative stability and optical absorption spectra suggests that this system prefers the [Au₇(Au₈SR₈)(Au₃SR₄)(AuSR₂)₂] structure regardless of whether aliphatic or aromatic ligands are employed. The real-time (RT) TDDFT method is rapidly gaining prominence as an alternative approach to capture optical properties of molecular systems. A systematic benchmark study is performed to demonstrate the consistency of linear-response (LR) and RT-TDDFT methods for calculating the optical absorption spectra of a variety of bare gold and silver nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes.

Novel biocompatible nanoprobes for optical imaging of Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFR) were created. 5 and 18 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and 5 and 45 nm diameter silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were conjugated to EGF protein via ?-lipoic acid. AgNPs were not previously attached to EGF. TOF-MS confirms EGF-linker formation. ELISA verifies the linked-EGF activity alone and with EGF-NPs. Core-shell silver-gold nanoparticles (AgAuNPs) gave similar results. TEM staining with uranyl acetate exhibits a bright ring, smaller than EGF, around nanoparticles. Dark field microscopy shows localized, intense cytoplasmic scattering, possibly lipid droplets, in cancer cells incubated with or without nanoprobes. Following injection, mice organs were harvested for EGF-NP immune response determination. Sterilization likely inactivated EGF before ICP-MS. Intense surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS, 632.8 nm) follows MgSO4 induced EGF-AgNPs aggregation. Pelleted EGF-AgNP tagged cancer cells lack SERS indicative intensity contrast. AgAuNPs could provide increased stability, brighter SERS, and reduced silver biocompatibility concerns.

Neste trabalho estudamos as propriedades estruturais, energéticas e eletrônicas das nanopartículas puras de prata (Ag) e de ouro (Au) e estruturas do tipo core-shell com número total de átomos variando de 147 à 923, no formato cubo-octaédrico. Estudamos também a adsorção da molécula de metanotiol (SCH4) sobre os sítios de coordenação dessas nanoestruturas, analisando, entre outros aspectos, os efeitos da interação de van de Waals. Para tanto, foram feitos cálculos teóricos de primeiros princípios dentro da Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT) usando a Aproximação do Gradiente Generalizado (GGA) e Pseudopotenciais Ultrassuaves (USPP). Concluímos que as maiores nanopartículas puras e core-shell apresentam uma superfície mais esférica e suas energias de formação tendem às energias das superfícies [001] e [111] e dos bulks de Ag e de Au. Uma única camada de shell de ouro ou de prata na core-shell já determina praticamente o comportamento energético e as propriedades da nanopartícula. A inclusão da interação de van de Waals nos cálculos uniformiza, de certa forma, os padrões de deslocamento atômico das superfícies das nanopartículas e o comportamento energético das core-shell, sem entretanto alterar o perfil das densidades de estado. A adsorção da molécula de metanotiol nas nanopartículas puras de Ag e de Au e suas core-shell foi analisada verificando-se que ela praticamente não perturba os estados eletrônicos das nanopartículas e que sua estrutura molecular é preservada. Nas nanopartículas maiores verifica-se um único padrão de adsorção independente do número de camadas de shell nas estruturas core-shell. / In this work we study the structural, energetic and electronic properties of the pure nanoparticles of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) and their core-shell with total number of atoms ranging from 147 to 923 in cube-octahedral shape. We also investigated the adsorption of the methanethiol molecule (SCH4) in the coordination sites of these nanoparticles, analyzing, among other things, the influence of dispersion(van der Waals) interactions. Our simulations are performed using first principles theoretical calculations within of the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework, described in terms of the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA), and by using Ultra-Soft Pseudo-potentials (USPP). We conclude that the largest pure nanoparticles and core-shell have a more spherical surface and their formation energies tend to formation energies of bare surfaces [001] and [111] and bulks of Ag and Au. A single layer of gold or silver shell already determines the properties and energetic behavior of the nanoparticles. The inclusion of van der Waals\' dispersion interaction in the calculations makes uniform, in certain way, the atomic displacement patterns surfaces of the nanoparticles and energetic behavior of core-shell, without change the form of the density of states. The adsorption of methanethiol molecule on the surface of the Ag and Au pure nanoparticles and their core-shell was analyzed and we verified that it almost does not disturb the electronic states of the nanoparticles and their molecular structure is preserved. In the largest nanoparticles we checking only one pattern of adsorption independent of the number of layers shell in the core-shell.

Neste trabalho estudamos as propriedades estruturais, energéticas e eletrônicas das nanopartículas puras de prata (Ag) e de ouro (Au) e estruturas do tipo core-shell com número total de átomos variando de 147 à 923, no formato cubo-octaédrico. Estudamos também a adsorção da molécula de metanotiol (SCH4) sobre os sítios de coordenação dessas nanoestruturas, analisando, entre outros aspectos, os efeitos da interação de van de Waals. Para tanto, foram feitos cálculos teóricos de primeiros princípios dentro da Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT) usando a Aproximação do Gradiente Generalizado (GGA) e Pseudopotenciais Ultrassuaves (USPP). Concluímos que as maiores nanopartículas puras e core-shell apresentam uma superfície mais esférica e suas energias de formação tendem às energias das superfícies [001] e [111] e dos bulks de Ag e de Au. Uma única camada de shell de ouro ou de prata na core-shell já determina praticamente o comportamento energético e as propriedades da nanopartícula. A inclusão da interação de van de Waals nos cálculos uniformiza, de certa forma, os padrões de deslocamento atômico das superfícies das nanopartículas e o comportamento energético das core-shell, sem entretanto alterar o perfil das densidades de estado. A adsorção da molécula de metanotiol nas nanopartículas puras de Ag e de Au e suas core-shell foi analisada verificando-se que ela praticamente não perturba os estados eletrônicos das nanopartículas e que sua estrutura molecular é preservada. Nas nanopartículas maiores verifica-se um único padrão de adsorção independente do número de camadas de shell nas estruturas core-shell. / In this work we study the structural, energetic and electronic properties of the pure nanoparticles of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) and their core-shell with total number of atoms ranging from 147 to 923 in cube-octahedral shape. We also investigated the adsorption of the methanethiol molecule (SCH4) in the coordination sites of these nanoparticles, analyzing, among other things, the influence of dispersion(van der Waals) interactions. Our simulations are performed using first principles theoretical calculations within of the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework, described in terms of the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA), and by using Ultra-Soft Pseudo-potentials (USPP). We conclude that the largest pure nanoparticles and core-shell have a more spherical surface and their formation energies tend to formation energies of bare surfaces [001] and [111] and bulks of Ag and Au. A single layer of gold or silver shell already determines the properties and energetic behavior of the nanoparticles. The inclusion of van der Waals\' dispersion interaction in the calculations makes uniform, in certain way, the atomic displacement patterns surfaces of the nanoparticles and energetic behavior of core-shell, without change the form of the density of states. The adsorption of methanethiol molecule on the surface of the Ag and Au pure nanoparticles and their core-shell was analyzed and we verified that it almost does not disturb the electronic states of the nanoparticles and their molecular structure is preserved. In the largest nanoparticles we checking only one pattern of adsorption independent of the number of layers shell in the core-shell.

Cette étude est consacrée aux monnaies d’or et d’argent lagides comme moyen de l’action des rois d’Alexandrie entre l’avènement de Ptolémée V en 204 et la mort de Ptolémée IX en 81. Ce grand deuxième siècle est habituellement considéré comme un temps de crise profonde du pouvoir royal, alors aux prises avec des révoltes en Égypte, des luttes dynastiques et affaibli par la perte de la plupart des territoires extérieurs hormis Chypre et Cyrène. Dans ce contexte, la place et le rôle des émissions ptolémaïques dans la gestion du royaume par les Ptolémées peuvent être questionnés. Pour cela, nous avons répertorié 6 413 pièces au sein d’un catalogue dans le but de collecter un maximum d’informations ainsi que pour réaliser une étude des niveaux de production tout au long de la période. A cela s’ajoute l’établissement d’un catalogue des trésors et trouvailles isolées remis à jour. Une deuxième partie est dédiée à l’importance ainsi qu’aux classements de ces émissions qui sont discutés et parfois révisés au regard des informations réunies. Pour cela, les 380 analyses élémentaires de monnaies d’or et d’argent réalisées à l’IRAMAT fournissent une somme d’informations inédites. Enfin, nous tentons d’insérer les nouvelles données produites dans les connaissances générales de l’histoire du royaume des Ptolémées au IIe siècle. L’enjeu est de déterminer dans quelle mesure l’usage de la monnaie peut être un révélateur des politiques royales. Il convient également de définir l’importance de ce moyen de paiement et dans quels cas il est employé. Ainsi, le témoignage des monnaies permet d’analyser certains aspects de la réaction du pouvoir royal lagide face aux difficultés rencontrées au IIe siècle. / This study is dedicated to the Ptolemaic gold and silver coins as means of action of kings of Alexandria from the advent of Ptolemy V in 204 until the death of Ptolemy IX in 81. This expanded second century is usually considered as a time of deep crisis of the royal power, then battling against internal revolts in Egypt, dynastic fights and weakened by the loss of most of the foreign territories except Cyprus and Cyrene. In this context, the place and the role of the Ptolemaic issues in the management of the kingdom by the Ptolemies can be questioned. We listed 6 413 coins within a catalog to collect a maximum of information there as well as to realize a study of the levels of production throughout the all period. Then, an updated catalog of hoards and isolated finds is added. The second part is dedicated to the whole importanceas well as to the classifications of these broadcast issues which are discussed and sometimes revised with regards to the information gathered. For that purpose, the contribution of 380 elemental analysis of gold and silver coins achieved in the IRAMAT laboratory supplies a sum of new information. Finally, we try to insert the new data produced intothe general knowledge of the history of the Ptolemaic kingdom in the second century. The stake is to determine to what degree the use of coins can reflect the royal policies. It is also advisable to define the importance of this means of payment and in which cases it is used. In the end, the testimony of coinage allows us to analyze certain aspects of the reaction of the Ptolemaic royal power confronting difficulties met in the second century.