Polystyrene Sulfonate

Today, we ran our calibration samples in the ICP-AES to get an idea of how precisely we made our samples and to learn how to use the machine. After we finished running the samples and analyzing the results, I visited Professor Thompson's lab in the Chemistry department where he outlined the process we will follow for the next couple weeks. Today, I diluted a solution of spherical gold nanoparticles he prepared, and treated them with polystyrene sulfonate and sodium chloride. This mixture needs to sit over night so the polystyrene sulfonate has time to absorb onto the nanoparticles surface. Tomorrow, I will centrifuge down the treated nanoparticles and begin characterizing both the treated and untreated samples.