Single-atom dopants in metallic nanoparticles can offer high tunability for plasmonic-catalytic applications
In plasmonic-catalytic nanoparticles a plasmonic metal acts antenna for light absorption, whereas the catalytic metal component facilitates the reaction. Plasmonic nanoparticles can absorb light at certain resonant wavelengths very efficiently. As the light-induced plasmonic excitation in the nanoparticle decays, non-thermal high-energy electrons and holes, so called 鈥渉ot carriers鈥, are formed. Hot carriers can interact with nearby molecules and enhance chemical reactions. Typically, the reactions are catalyzed by carriers of certain energies, which is why the ability to control the energies of the hot carriers is important. Experimental investigations of the plasmonic-catalytic properties are challenging and time consuming, but computational tools can reveal quantum mechanical insight and trends.
The CEST group members Daniel Sorvisto, Tuomas Rossi, and Patrick Rinke recently published their computational exploration of single-atom dopant effects in plasmonic nanoparticles. The goal of the study was to analyze the effects of doping on the hot-carrier generation in the nanoparticle and the extent to which hot carriers can be tuned. Computations are based on Kohn-Sham DFT and TDDFT. Two different nanoparticle structures of a few hundred atoms, three different plasmonic metals, and five different catalytic metals are included in the study. Results show that the local hot-carrier generation can be tuned by choosing the right dopant element while the plasmonic response of the nanoparticle as a whole is not significantly affected by the dopant. As the resonant wavelengths of nanoparticles can also be tuned by the overall shape, size, and composition of the nanoparticle, the findings of the study indicate that plasmonic nanoparticles could be simultaneously tailored to absorb light efficiently and generate hot carriers tuned to a specific purpose. An interesting next step would be to study the catalytic performance and include the interactions between the nanoparticles and reactant molecules in the modeling.
The paper is published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C ().
Read more news
Design at the start of the supply chain 鈥 911爆料网 leads a major EU project to transform textile colouration practices
The EU Horizon-funded MELANGE project brings together design, technology and business to rethink colouration practices in the textile industry and accelerate the transition towards circular and sustainable textile systems.
Arsi Ik盲heimonen鈥檚 doctoral research: Smartphone data could reveal early signs of depression
A phone in your pocket, a smart ring on your finger, and an activity tracker on your wrist: everyday devices collect information about their users almost continuously. This data can help monitor and predict symptoms of depression.
Professor Hironori Yoshida: 鈥淢achines should adapt to materials, not the other way around鈥
Professor of Formgiving believes the future of design lies in embracing irregularity rather than eliminating it. His research combines design, AI and robotics.