Reversible Phase Transfer of Nanoparticles Based on Photoswitchable Host–Guest Chemistry

An azobenzene-containing surfactant was synthesized for the phase transfer of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD)-capped gold nanoparticles between water and toluene phases by host-guest chemistry. With the use of the photoisomerization of azobenzene, the reversible phase transfer of gold nanoparticles was realized by irradiation with UV and visible light. Furthermore, the phase transfer scheme was applied for the quenching of a reaction catalyzed by gold nanoparticles, as well as the recovery and recycling of the gold nanoparticles from aqueous solutions. This work will have significant impact on materials transfer and recovery in catalysis and biotechnological applications.