Manipulating chemistry through nanoparticle morphology. Issue 1 (9th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Litti, Lucio; Reguera, Javier; García de Abajo, F. Javier; Meneghetti, Moreno; Liz-Marzán, Luis M.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale horizons. Volume 5:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2019-09-09
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c9nh00456d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-6756

Abstract

Abstract : The complex anisotropy of Au-nanostars is used to manipulate the protonation chemistry of selected molecules, monitored through their SERS signals. Abstract : We demonstrate that the protonation chemistry of molecules adsorbed at nanometer distances from the surface of anisotropic gold nanoparticles can be manipulated through the effect of surface morphology on the local proton density of an organic coating. Direct evidence of this remarkable effect was obtained by monitoring surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from mercaptobenzoic acid and 4-aminobenzenethiol molecules adsorbed on gold nanostars. By smoothing the initially sharp nanostar tips through a mild thermal treatment, changes were induced on protonation of the molecules, which can be observed through changes in the measured SERS spectra. These results shed light on the local chemical environment near anisotropic colloidal nanoparticles and open an alternative avenue to actively control chemistry through surface morphology.