PLASMONICALLY ACTIVE NANOCOMPOSITES WITH A BIMODAL NANOPARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

摘要

A self-regenerative metal nanocomposite comprised of a bimodal distribution of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with a metal oxide surrounding is introduced as a new type of plasmonic catalyst through a physical method. Methods of forming such nanocomposites are also disclosed. The support-free catalyst shows plentiful surface adsorbed oxygen species along with excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and appreciable photoluminescence (PL). The combination of high activity and durability of this plasmonic catalyst makes it viable for potential energy and cost-effective catalytic applications.

主权项

1. A bimodal nanocomposite, comprising:
a) a substrate comprising a barrier material disposed upon its surface; b) at least one first spherical or spherical-like metal nanoparticle with a diameter between 30 nm and 200 nm; and c) at least one second spherical or spherical-like metal nanoparticle with a diameter between 1 nm and 30 nm; wherein the ratio between the average diameter of the at least one first metal nanoparticle and the average diameter of the at least one second metal nanoparticle is between 3:1 and 200:1; and wherein said at least one first metal nanoparticle and at least one second metal nanoparticle are disposed upon the barrier material.