Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect Research Articles

Shining light on broad-spectrum responded NaYF4:Yb,Er,Tm@Bi@BiOI: Understanding the enhanced photodegradation performance of bisphenol A and mechanisms

This work reported a novel ternary heterogeneous photocatalyst NaYF4:Yb,Er,Tm@Bi@BiOI (NBEG-6h). NBEG-6h exhibits broad-spectrum absorption from ultraviolet to near-infrared. The elimination efficiency of BPA by NBEG-6h under simulated sunlight and near-infrared light irradiation was 88% (24 min) and 93.9% (160 min), respectively. It also has the universality of degrading various pollutants, good reusability and stability. The exceptional photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the absorption of near-infrared light by NaYF4:Yb,Er,Tm, which improves the total efficiency of sunlight utilization. The localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Bi nanoparticles enhances the light absorption performance of the heterostructure. Furthermore, combining Bi and BiOI accelerates carrier migration and improves the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. h+, ·O2− and 1O2 play the pivotal roles during the photocatalytic process. This research offers new insights into the design, development, and mechanism understanding of full-spectrum-driven heterostructure photocatalysts. It provides an environmentally sustainable approach to the treatment of harmful organic pollutants.

Single layered Ag/NiO plasmonic nanocoatings: A new green synthesis method for selective solar absorber

This study presents the synthesis of environmentally benign, single-layered spectrally selective Ag/NiO nanocoating absorbers using a green synthesis method. Various characterization techniques, including Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were used to examine the effects of plasmonic Ag concentration on the structural, chemical composition, and surface morphology of the nanocomposites. The optical properties of the deposited nanocoatings were investigated using a UV–Vis-NIR spectrophotometer in the solar spectrum region (300–2500 nm) and an FT-IR spectrophotometer in the infrared wavelength region (3000–20,000 nm). XRD results confirmed the coexistence of a face-centered cubic phase of Ag and NiO in the Ag/NiO nanocermet thin films. SEM and TEM topography revealed uniformly distributed nanosphere NiO thin films and cubic Ag metal with better dispersibility and crystallization. The RBS spectrum of the samples showed a homogeneous distribution of Ni, Ag, and O atoms throughout the coatings. Ag/NiO nanocoatings deposited with 8 wt% Ag content exhibited excellent solar absorptance (α) = 0.95 and thermal emittance of (ɛ) of 0.08. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect associated with the embedded Ag nanoparticles, which facilitates more effective utilization of light.

AuAg plasmonic nanoalloys with asymmetric charge distribution on CeO2 nanorods for selective photocatalytic CO2‐to‐CH4 conversion

AbstractConverting CO2 under mild conditions by employing semiconductor photocatalysts is promising to address global environmental issues. However, the current CO2 conversion efficiency is limited by the difficulty activating the thermodynamically stable CO2 molecules. Constructing plasmonic nanoalloy‐based photocatalytic systems with significant localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is full of potential but remains a vast challenge. In this work, AuAg plasmonic nanoalloys were incorporated on CeO2 nanorods (designated as AuAg–CeO2) to achieve selective photoreduction of CO2. The result displays that Ag can serve as a superior electron modifier to promote the electron enrichment of Au, thus producing asymmetric charge distributions to boost the selective conversion of CO2. Furthermore, the improved LSPR effect on AuAg–CeO2 induces the generation of high‐energy hot electrons under irradiation, enhancing the reactivity of electrons for CO2 photoreduction. Due to the aforementioned effects, AuAg–CeO2 exhibits a high CO2‐to‐CH4 performance of 92.6 μmol g−1 through a 3‐h test and a high CH4 selectivity of 94.5%, up to 2.6, 8.7, and 17.1 times higher than the activity of Au–CeO2, pure CeO2, and Ag–CeO2, respectively. This work can provide a new perspective for constructing high‐performance catalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Ag–Pt Alloy Nanoparticles Modified Zn‐Based Nanosheets for Highly Selective CO2 Photoreduction to CH4

AbstractMulti‐electron involved photoreduction of CO2 to hydrocarbon fuels is a long‐standing challenge, particularly in manipulating the selectivity of the target products. Here, a novel Ag–Pt bimetallic alloy on Zn‐based supports by photo‐deposition is designed for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4 without any additives. This photocatalyst exhibits ≈ 98.9% selectivity for CH4. Experimental and theoretical calculations demonstrated that the excellent performance of the photocatalyst can be attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of metals, as well as the synergistic effects of the bimetallic sites. These factors are found to be beneficial not only for capturing solar radiation and facilitating electron migration but also for promoting the adsorption and activation of CO2 and the protonation of *CO. As a result, the photocatalyst achieved high selectivity and activity of photoreduction of CO2 to CH4. This work provides insights into the design of photocatalysts with highly selective target products for CO2 reduction.

Highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by plasmon-controlled metal-silica isoform nanocomposites: PINs.

Lateral flow assay (LFA) systems use metal nanoparticles for rapid and convenient target detection and are extensively studied for the diagnostics of various diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often used as probes in LFAs, displaying a single red color. However, there is a high demand for colorimetric LFAs to detect multiple biomarkers, requiring the use of multicolored NPs. Here, we present a highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by multicolored Plasmon-controlled metal-silica Isoform Nanocomposites (PINs). We utilized the localized surface plasmon resonance effect to create multi-colored PINs by precisely adjusting the distance between the NPs on the surface of PINs through the controlled addition of reduced gold and silver precursors. Through simulations, we also confirmed that the distance between nanoparticles on the surface of PINs significantly affects the color and colorimetric signal intensity of the PINs. We achieved multicolored PINs that exhibit stronger colorimetric signals, offering a new solution for LFA detection with high sensitivity and a 33 times reduced limit of detection (LOD) while maintaining consistent size deviations within 5%. We expect that our PINs-based colorimetric LFA will facilitate the sensitive and simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in point-of-care testing.

Metal-Based Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a high-value chemical widely used in electronics, textiles, paper bleaching, medical disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Traditional production methods, such as the anthraquinone oxidation process and direct synthesis, require high energy consumption, and involve risks from toxic substances and explosions. Researchers are now exploring photochemical, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical synthesis methods to reduce energy use and pollution. This review focuses on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) for the electrochemical synthesis of H2O2, and discusses how catalyst active sites influence O2 adsorption. Strategies to enhance H2O2 selectivity by regulating these sites are presented. Catalysts require strong O2 adsorption to initiate reactions and weak *OOH adsorption to promote H2O2 formation. The review also covers advances in single-atom catalysts (SACs), multi-metal-based catalysts, and highlights non-noble metal oxides, especially perovskite oxides, for their versatile structures and potential in 2e- ORR. The potential of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects to enhance catalyst performance is also discussed. In conclusion, emphasis is placed on optimizing catalyst structures through theoretical and experimental methods to achieve efficient and selective H2O2 production, aiming for sustainable and commercial applications.

Construction of Ag-modified ZnO/g-C3N4 heterostructure for enhanced photocatalysis performance.

ZnO/g-C3N4 heterojunction modified with Ag nanoparticles (ZnO/CN/Ag) was synthesized by depositing ZnO nanorods/Ag nanoparticles onto g-C3N4 nanosheets. Under xenon lamp irradiation, 99% of Rhodamine B (RhB) was degraded by ZnO/CN/Ag-5% composite within 30min, which was much higher than the degradation efficiency of ZnO and ZnO/CN. The synergistic effect of g-C3N4 and ZnO, along with the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag NPs, contributes to the improvement of photocatalytic performance. Ag nanoparticle provides another charge transfer path from g-C3N4 to ZnO, which speeds up the separation of electron-hole pairs. Meanwhile, the catalyst had good stability and recyclability. Finite-difference time-domain method and the density functional theory were used to obtain the charge transfer process. The photodegradation process has been studied in depth.

Localized surface plasmon resonance induced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting activity of gold decorated graphene/MoS2 hybrid

The synergistic supremacy of a hybrid nanocomposite made of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and gold nanoparticles (Au) for Q-switching and optical limiting applications is investigated. Hydrothermally synthesized Au-rGO-MoS2 hybrid with varying concentrations of Au (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt%) was subjected to interact with Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond green laser pulses. The intensity dependent nonlinear absorption studies revealed a switch over in the nonlinear behaviour from saturable absorption (SA) to reverse saturable absorption (RSA) behaviour. SA occurs due to ground state bleaching at comparatively lower laser irradiances serving the need for Q-switching and optical communications. The RSA trait at higher laser irradiance is attributed to sequential two-photon absorption which serves as the platform for optical limiting behaviour prompting laser safety and effective photothermal therapy applications. The strong mid-visible and UV absorption promotes the availability of multiple energy bands for energy transitions of excited state absorption (ESA). Enhanced local fields due to localized surface plasmon resonance effect, structural defects, hierarchical morphology, increased absorption cross-section and plasmon induced energy transfer promotes robust ESA process. These tunable nonlinear optical properties make Au-rGO-MoS2 hybrid promising futuristic candidates for applications in nonlinear photonic devices, ultrafast optical switches and all-optical signal processing systems.

Functional design of PGMA-co-PDFHM/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite materials for anti-icing in simulated outdoor environment

To improve anti-icing traits of outdoor coatings, a synergy between photothermal and hydrophobic anti-icings was utilized to fabricate copolymer/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite coatings with good transparency and adhesion. MXene contributes to photothermal trait from local surface plasmon resonance effect. Copolymer enables hydrophobicity from perfluoroalkyls-induced low surface energy and high surface roughness. An increase in MXene dose results in an increased surface roughness. With 140.0 ± 2.2° of water contact angle and 70% of light transmittance, the optimal film bears 2 wt% of MXene. High MXene dose results in large temperature-increase of film under sunlight. After 15 min of sunlight exposure, the temperature of optimal film surface in icing simulation increases from − 18 ℃ to 7.2 ℃. After 48 h of acid immersion, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface based on 300 s of sunlight irradiation reaches 28.7 ± 1.2 ℃. After 48 h of ultraviolet irradiation, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface is 30.7 ± 0.8 ℃. This surface has a water contact angle of 132.7 ± 1.1° after 48 h of acid immersion. This study gives impetus to a preparation of various composite coatings for outdoor anti-icing/deicing.

Cascade enzyme-mimicking with spatially separated gold-ceria for dual-mode detection of superoxide anions

Metal-semiconductor nanozyme of dumbbell Au-CeO2 with spatially separated heterostructure has cascade superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like and peroxidase (POD)-like activities for superoxide anions detection. It was synthesized by selective growth of CeO2 at the ends of Au nanorod (Au NR). Taking advantage of the excellent local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au NR, the spatially separated Au-CeO2 has a higher photothermal effect than the continuously growing core-shell structure of Au@CeO2. Meanwhile, the hot electrons of Au NR could transfer to CeO2 under 808 nm laser irradiation, changing the ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couples over CeO2 and facilitating H2O2 decomposition thus enhancing POD-like activity. Based on the SOD-like activity of Au-CeO2, superoxide anion (O2·−) can be transformed into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Dual-mode including absorbance and temperature sensing detection of O2·−, with the detection range from nM to μM i.e., 0.1–150 μM and LOD of 0.033 μM (S/N = 3) was achieved through the cascade catalysis and photothermal effect. The as-proposed method was applicable to both cancer and normal cell samples with satisfactory accuracy and recovery.

Color Recognition Achieved in Multiwavelength Controlled Plasmonic Optoelectronic Memristor for Neuromorphic Visual System

AbstractAn optoelectronic synaptic device with the color‐recognition ability is highly desired for achieving the high‐efficient neuromorphic color visual system. In order to realistically implement the functionality of retina (i.e., bipolar cells and cones photoreceptors), the exploration of multiwavelength controlled optoelectronic synaptic devices with fully light tunable ability would be sorely needed. Here, a multiwavelength controlled plasmonic optoelectronic memristor based on the size‐dependent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metallic nanostructures is developed. The distinguishable red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light response behaviors can be achieved in this single device, which enables the realization of color image perception and memory functions. The RGB light‐strengthened synaptic plasticity can be depressed by ultraviolet light stimulations, relying on the effects of LSPR and optical excitation in WOx:Ag nanocomposites. Moreover, the visual attention for color (color discrimination) is realized in this memristor, which promotes the improvement of recognition accuracy during the color image recognition process. A new approach in developing multiwavelength controlled synaptic devices is provided here for highly efficient neuromorphic vision.

High-performance SERS substrate based on gold nanoparticles-decorated micro/nano-hybrid hierarchical structure

Owing to its excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) find extensive application in the preparation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. However, due to process limitations, the practicality and testing effectiveness of SERS substrates still leaves much to be desired. Here, a wafer-scale gold (Au) NPs silicon (Si) micro/nano-hybrid structured substrate is prepared. This is achieved through two-step etching, followed by decorating Au-NPs onto the structure via self-assembly process induced by de-wetting. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations reveal that the significant enhancement of local electric field in the voids between Au-NPs and Si is crucial for enhancing SERS. Using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the probe molecule, performance of the fabricated SERS substrate is investigated. It demonstrates a minimum detection limit of 10−11 M, with a calculated enhancement factor of 4.40 × 108, indicating its high sensitivity. The minimum relative standard deviation for the substrate is 5.254 %. After 20 days of placement, the SERS performance show tiny variation. Even after four cycles of cleaning experiments, it still maintains outstanding SERS performance. This demonstrates its excellent stability, uniformity and reusability. Our research provides guidance for the efficient and low-cost fabrication of high-performance SERS substrates.

Unveiling the potential: Gallium-doped zinc oxide/silver-nanoparticles/glass structure for superior anode performance in polymer light-emitting diodes

This study examines the effectiveness of gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO) combined with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on glass substrates as anodes for polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). The proposed GZO/Ag-NPs/glass structure achieved superior electrical and optical properties, with a peak luminance of 5834 cd/m2 and an average current efficiency of 1.91 cd/A, significantly outperforming the conventional GZO/Ag-NPs/GZO/glass anode. The GZO/Ag-NPs/glass anode enhanced electroluminescence intensity by 379 % compared to the GZO/glass anode, while the GZO/Ag-NPs/GZO/glass anode showed a 196 % enhancement. This highlights the potential for improved PLED performance through enhanced anode conductivity and localized surface plasmon resonance effects.

Plasmon and N-vacancy synergistically enhanced tubular carbon nitride-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with one stone five birds function: Pathways, DFT calculation and mechanism insight

From the perspectives of innovation and broad-spectrum, tubular carbon nitride-based photocatalyst, viz., Ag/AgI/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst, with enhancement of nitrogen vacancy and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect is reasonably devised and manufactured via combining hydrothermal, calcination and photo-reduction techniques. The optimal specimen displays high photocatalytic activity in removal of dyes (such as crystalline violet, 100.00 %/60 min), antibiotics (such as levofloxacin, 88.72 %/50 min) and Cr6+ (100.00 %, 30 min), photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (1023.3 μmol h−1 g−1) and H2O2 generation (866.2 μmol h−1 g−1), achieving broad-spectrum natures, viz., realizing the function of “one stone five birds”. The broad-spectrum natures are attributed to the synergisms of nitrogen vacancy, LSPR effect of Ag, hollow tube structure and S-scheme heterojunction, which facilitate the separation and migration of photo-generated carriers and inject “hot electrons” generated by Ag into the conduction band of Ag/AgI/g-C3N4, increase the specific surface area and broaden the spectral response range. Further, the degraded intermediates of crystalline violet and levofloxacin and possible degradation pathways are rationally advanced by the aid of LCMS spectra, and synergistically enhanced photocatalytic mechanism of Ag/AgI/g-C3N4 hollow tube S-scheme heterojunction is confirmed based upon a series of sound experiments, fs-TA spectra, in-situ XPS and DFT calculation, etc.

Highly sensitive, reproducible, and stable core–shell MoN SERS substrate synthesized via sacrificial template method

Molybdenum nitride is a promising candidate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates due to its high conductivity, surface plasmon resonance, and chemical stability. Core-shell structures possess unique physical and chemical properties, such as high-volume ratio, low density, short diffusion length, and high load-bearing capacity, making them favorable for SERS applications. In this research, core–shell MoO3 is first synthesized as a precursor oxide using a sacrificial template method, and core–shell MoN microspheres are successfully prepared via subsequent nitriding. As a representative transition metal nitride, the obtained core–shell MoN nanospheres show strong localized surface plasmon resonance and SERS effects. Using these MoN microspheres as Raman substrates allows a range of highly targeted compounds to be accurately detected, and the detection limits for this non-precious-metal substrate morphology are exceptionally high, reaching 10−10 M. In addition, MoN nanospheres exhibit excellent resistance to acid–base corrosion, oxidation, and radiation, thus rendering them suitable for use as substrates in harsh environments.

Construction and photothermal properties of Ag nanoparticles modified multilevel porous CuO film with ultra-wide infrared spectrum absorption

Based on lattice vibration and energy band theory, narrow bandgap inorganic semiconductor materials have become a new type of photothermal material, but it is difficult to achieve absorption for long wavelength infrared radiation to meet the application requirements of ultra-wide spectrum (2.5–20 μm) infrared detectors. From the perspective of structural optics, this paper constructed a multilevel porous CuO film with both coral-like micro-porous and flower-like nano-porous structures based on chemical bath deposition technique, and the Ag nanoparticles were uniformly embedded in the "petal" gaps of flower-like nano-porous CuO by optimizing the dosages of PVP. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of multilevel porous structure and loaded Ag nanoparticles, the Ag nanoparticles modified multilevel porous CuO (CuO@Ag-PVP 0.05) film had an average absorption of 94.17 % over the wavelength range of 2.5–20 μm. The photothermal conversion efficiency of CuO@Ag-PVP 0.05 film can reach up to 81.12 % and 86.96 % over near-infrared and far-infrared light ranges, respectively. The various material characterizations and simulations analysis showed that the multilevel porous structure containing coral-like and flower-like multi-scale pores can form two guiding modes for light, and based on the synergistic effect of the two guiding modes, the CuO film can form a strong trapping effect for light over ultra-wide spectral range, broaden its absorption range, and enhance its absorption characteristics. The loaded Ag nanoparticles contain a large number of free electrons, which can capture light energy and convert it into heat energy through local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, further enhancing the light absorption and photothermal conversion efficiency.

Cu surface plasmon resonance promoted charge transfer in S-scheme system enhanced visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Reasonably constructing nanocomposite photocatalysts with fast charge transfer and broad solar response capabilities is significant for efficiently converting solar energy into chemical energy. Cu modifies P25/CeO2 heterojunctions prepared by photodeposition (P25 is commercial TiO2). The local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect caused by Cu nanoparticles broadens the spectral response range and generates significant photothermal effects. After 90 s of irradiation, the temperature of 9.5 %Cu-P25/CeO2 increases to 148.1 °C. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 9.5 %Cu-P25/CeO2 under visible light (λ = 400 nm) reaches 1538.2 μmol h−1 g−1, which is 158.6 times, 17.7 times, and 2.5 times higher than that of Cerium dioxide (CeO2), P25, and P25/CeO2, respectively. This catalyst has stronger light absorption, easier carrier transfer, and separation. This study guides the construction of efficient hydrogen evolution photocatalysts.

Exploring the thermal and optical characteristics of Ti3C2 MXene for enhanced photothermal conversion

Ti3C2 MXene, a member of the two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides family, has garnered significant attention for its exceptional photothermal properties. To understand the mechanistic underpinnings of this feature, we conducted a comprehensive first-principles density functional theory analysis. This study was aimed at investigating the electronic band structure and vibrational characteristics of Ti3C2 MXene to unravel its microscopic process of photothermal conversion. After obtaining its optical and thermal properties, the process by which the material moves from light absorption to heat release is elucidated. The presence of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects in Ti3C2 is proved by Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The synergy between the high thermal conductivity network in the Ti layers and the LSPR phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the superior photothermal conversion capabilities. This investigation enhances the understanding of the intrinsic properties of Ti3C2 MXene, confirming its status as an ultrahigh photothermal conversion material.

Synergistic Coordination and Surface Plasmon Resonance of Quantum Dots in Enhancing Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Recent studies have revealed that the integration of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with photocatalysts allows the metal NPs to serve as cocatalysts, significantly enhancing reactant efficiency near nanostructures through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. On this basis, we synthesized highly reactive FePt quantum dots (FePt QDs) with tailored configurations, manipulating the Pt coordination environment and combining FePt QDs with ultrathin two-dimensional nickel metal-organic layer (Ni-MOL) nanosheets. X-ray absorption fine spectroscopy (XAFS) confirmed the distinctive Pt-Fe configuration after photoactivation. The optimized loading amount of FePt QDs led to a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) yield of 113 mmol·g-1·h-1 after activation, with the catalyst remaining stable over five cycles. The improved reaction efficiency stemmed from Pt coordination adjustments and a localized SPR effect, supported by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), infrared (IR), Raman, and XAFS characterizations. A comparative analysis was conducted with Ni-MOL deposited with platinum NPs, further underscoring the distinct advantages of FePt QDs and corroborating by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed favorable d-band center properties. These findings offer a promising avenue for the development of highly efficient and stable nanoalloy photocatalysts.

Suppressed recombination of a flexible TiO2 nanowires photoanode by coupling of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles in the photoelectrochemical ultraviolet photodetector

The noble metal nanoparticles can improve the efficiency of photoelectric conversion via enhancement of light harvesting for the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Here, TiO2 nanowires were constructed on carbon fiber cloth as a flexible photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. By decorated noble metal Ag nanoparticles on TiO2 nanowires, the photocurrent was improved from 35.9 μA cm−2 to 268.4 μA cm−2, and the rise and decay time were increased by 0.14 s and 0.12 s, respectively. Moreover, the recombination of photon-generated electrons and holes was also decreased in photoanode due to the Schottky barrier between Ag and TiO2. This work provided an approach to promote the performances of the PEC UV photodetector.