Size-dependent electrophoretic migration and separation of water-soluble gold nanoclusters by capillary electrophoresis

Recently, water-soluble gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have attracted more and more attention due to their unique properties. In this study, penicillamine-protected gold nanoclusters (Pen-AuNCs) were synthesized and initially fractionated by sequential size-selective precipitation (SSSP). The crude Pen-AuNCs and SSSP fractions were separated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with a diode array detector. The effects of key parameters, including the concentration of phosphate buffer, pH value and the ethanol content were systematically investigated. The separation of water-soluble poly-disperse AuNCs were well achieved at 30 mM phosphate buffer with 7.5% EtOH, pH 12.0, and applied voltage of 15 kV. The linear correlation between AuNCs diameter and mobility was observed. This finding provides an important reference for CE separation and product purification of water-soluble AuNCs or other nanomaterials.