Monitoring plasmon coupling and SERS enhancement through in situ nanoparticle spacing modulation
File(s)Faraday submitted manuscript.pdf (4.8 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Self-assembled nanoparticle (NP) arrays at liquid interfaces provide a unique optical response which has opened the door to new tuneable metamaterials and for sensing and optical applications. NPs can spontaneously assemble at the liquid-liquid interface, forming an ordered, self-healing, low-defect 2D film. The close proximity of the NPs at the interface results in collective plasmonic modes with a spectral response dependent on the distance between the NPs and induces large field enhancements within the gaps. In this study, we assembled spherical and rod-shaped gold NPs with the aim of improving our understanding of NP assembly processes at liquid interfaces, working towards finely controlling their structure and producing tailored optical and enhanced Raman signals. We systematically tuned the assembly and spacing between NPs through increasing or decreasing the degree of electrostatic screening between NPs with the addition of electrolyte or pH adjustment. The in situ modulation of nanoparticle positioning on the same sample allowed us to monitor plasmon coupling and the resulting SERS enhancement processes in real time, with sub-nm precision.
Date Issued
2017-06-29
Date Acceptance
2017-06-28
Citation
Faraday Discussions, 2017, 205, pp.67-83
ISSN
1364-5498
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
67
End Page
83
Journal / Book Title
Faraday Discussions
Volume
205
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2017
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Grant Number
279818
EP/L02098X/1
658544
724300
751763
Subjects
0306 Physical Chemistry (Incl. Structural)
0904 Chemical Engineering
Chemical Physics
Publication Status
Published