1
|
Pastukhov AI, Savinov MS, Zelepukin IV, Babkova JS, Tikhonowski GV, Popov AA, Klimentov SM, Devi A, Patra A, Zavestovskaya IN, Deyev SM, Kabashin AV. Laser-synthesized plasmonic HfN-based nanoparticles as a novel multifunctional agent for photothermal therapy. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39253754 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02311k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Hafnium nitride nanoparticles (HfN NPs) can offer appealing plasmonic properties at the nanoscale, but the fabrication of stable water-dispersible solutions of non-toxic HfN NPs exhibiting plasmonic features in the window of relative biological transparency presents a great challenge. Here, we demonstrate a solution to this problem by employing ultrashort (femtosecond) laser ablation from a HfN target in organic solutions, followed by a coating of the formed NPs with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and subsequent dispersion in water. We show that the fabricated NPs exhibit plasmonic absorption bands with maxima around 590 nm, 620 nm, and 650 nm, depending on the synthesis environment (ethanol, acetone, and acetonitrile, respectively), which are largely red-shifted compared to what is expected from pure HfN NPs. The observed shift is explained by including nitrogen-deficient hafnium nitride and hafnium oxynitride phases inside the core and oxynitride coating of NPs, as follows from a series of structural characterization studies. We then show that the NPs can provide a strong photothermal effect under 808 nm excitation with a photothermal conversion coefficient of about 62%, which is comparable to the best values reported for plasmonic NPs. MTT and clonogenic assays evidenced very low cytotoxicity of PEG-coated HfN NPs to cancer cells from different tissues up to 100 μg mL-1 concentrations. We finally report a strong photothermal therapeutic effect of HfN NPs, as shown by 100% cell death under 808 nm light irradiation at NP concentrations lower than 25 μg mL-1. Combined with additional X-ray theranostic functionalities (CT scan and photon capture therapy) profiting from the high atomic number (Z = 72) of Hf, plasmonic HfN NPs promise the development of synergetically enhanced modalities for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A I Pastukhov
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France.
| | - M S Savinov
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
| | - I V Zelepukin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- Uppsala University, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 75310, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J S Babkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - G V Tikhonowski
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Popov
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
| | - S M Klimentov
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Devi
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, 140306, India
| | - A Patra
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, 140306, India
| | - I N Zavestovskaya
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
- P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - S M Deyev
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russia
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Kabashin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, LP3, 13288, Marseille, France.
- MEPhI, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), 115409, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Parvizian M, Reichholf N, Riaz AA, Bhatt P, Regoutz A, De Roo J. Molten Salt-Assisted Synthesis of Titanium Nitride. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400228. [PMID: 38859636 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Titanium nitride is an exciting plasmonic material, with optical properties similar to gold. However, synthesizing TiN nanocrystals is highly challenging and typically requires solid-state reactions at very high temperatures (800-1000°C). Here, the synthesis of TiN nanocrystals is achieved at temperatures as low as 350°C, in just 1 h. The strategy comprises molten salt, Mg as reductant and Ca3N2 as nitride source. This brings TiN from the realm of solid-state chemistry into the field of solution-based synthesis in regular, borosilicate glassware.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Parvizian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nico Reichholf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aysha A Riaz
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ, London, UK
| | - Prajna Bhatt
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ, London, UK
| | - Anna Regoutz
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ, London, UK
| | - Jonathan De Roo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, CH-4058, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Judek J, Dhama R, Pianelli A, Wróbel P, Michałowski PP, Dana J, Caglayan H. Ultrafast optical properties of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric refractory metal nitrides TiNx, ZrNx, and HfNx. OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 32:3585-3596. [PMID: 38297576 DOI: 10.1364/oe.505442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Refractory metal nitrides have recently gained attention in various fields of modern photonics due to their cheap and robust production technology, silicon-technology compatibility, high thermal and mechanical resistance, and competitive optical characteristics in comparison to typical plasmonic materials like gold and silver. In this work, we demonstrate that by varying the stoichiometry of sputtered nitride films, both static and ultrafast optical responses of refractory metal nitrides can efficiently be controlled. We further prove that the spectral changes in ultrafast transient response are directly related to the position of the epsilon-near-zero region. At the same time, the analysis of the temporal dynamics allows us to identify three time components: the "fast" femtosecond one, the "moderate" picosecond one, and the "slow" at the nanosecond time scale. We also find out that the non-stoichiometry does not significantly decrease the recovery time of the reflectance value. Our results show the strong electron-phonon coupling and reveal the importance of both the electron and lattice temperature-induced changes in the permittivity near the ENZ region and the thermal origin of the long tail in the transient optical response of refractory nitrides.
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh PDD, Murthy Z, Kumar Kailasa S. Metal nitrides nanostructures: Properties, synthesis and conceptualization in analytical methods developments for chemical analysis and separation, and in energy storage applications. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
5
|
Indhu AR, Keerthana L, Dharmalingam G. Plasmonic nanotechnology for photothermal applications - an evaluation. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 14:380-419. [PMID: 37025366 PMCID: PMC10071519 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The application of plasmonic nanoparticles is motivated by the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance. Owing to the tunability of optothermal properties and enhanced stability, these nanostructures show a wide range of applications in optical sensors, steam generation, water desalination, thermal energy storage, and biomedical applications such as photothermal (PT) therapy. The PT effect, that is, the conversion of absorbed light to heat by these particles, has led to thriving research regarding the utilization of plasmonic nanoparticles for a myriad of applications. The design of conventional nanomaterials for PT conversion has focussed predominantly on the manipulation of photon absorption through bandgap engineering, doping, incorporation, and modification of suitable matrix materials. Plasmonic nanomaterials offer an alternative and attractive approach in this regard, through the flexibility in the excitation of surface plasmons. Specific advantages are the considerable improved bandwidth of the absorption, a higher efficiency of photon absorption, facile tuning, as well as flexibility in the synthesis of plasmonic nanomaterials. This review of plasmonic PT (PPT) research begins with a theoretical discussion on the plasmonic properties of nanoparticles by means of the quasi-static approximation, Mie theory, Gans theory, generic simulations on common plasmonic material morphologies, and the evaluation processes of PT performance. Further, a variety of nanomaterials and material classes that have potential for PPT conversion are elucidated, such as plasmonic metals, bimetals, and metal-metal oxide nanocomposites. A detailed investigation of the essential, but often ignored, concept of thermal, chemical, and aggregation stability of nanoparticles is another part of this review. The challenges that remain, as well as prospective directions and chemistries, regarding nanomaterials for PT conversion are pondered on in the final section of the article, taking into account the specific requirements from different applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Indhu
- Plasmonic Nanomaterials Laboratory, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore-641004, India
| | - L Keerthana
- Plasmonic Nanomaterials Laboratory, PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore-641004, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Karaballi RA, Monfared YE, Bicket IC, Coridan RH, Dasog M. Solid-state synthesis of UV-plasmonic Cr 2N nanoparticles. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:154706. [PMID: 36272801 DOI: 10.1063/5.0109806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Materials that exhibit plasmonic response in the UV region can be advantageous for many applications, such as biological photodegradation, photocatalysis, disinfection, and bioimaging. Transition metal nitrides have recently emerged as chemically and thermally stable alternatives to metal-based plasmonic materials. However, most free-standing nitride nanostructures explored so far have plasmonic responses in the visible and near-IR regions. Herein, we report the synthesis of UV-plasmonic Cr2N nanoparticles using a solid-state nitridation reaction. The nanoparticles had an average diameter of 9 ± 5 nm and a positively charged surface that yields stable colloidal suspension. The particles were composed of a crystalline nitride core and an amorphous oxide/oxynitride shell whose thickness varied between 1 and 7 nm. Calculations performed using the finite element method predicted the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for these nanoparticles to be in the UV-C region (100-280 nm). While a distinctive LSPR peak could not be observed using absorbance measurements, low-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy showed the presence of surface plasmons between 80 and 250 nm (or ∼5 to 15 eV) and bulk plasmons centered around 50-62 nm (or ∼20 to 25 eV). Plasmonic coupling was also observed between the nanoparticles, resulting in resonances between 250 and 400 nm (or ∼2.5 to 5 eV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Karaballi
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | - Isobel C Bicket
- Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Robert H Coridan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, USA
| | - Mita Dasog
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang L, Shang J, Yang G, Ma Y, Kou L, Liu D, Yin H, Hegh D, Razal J, Lei W. 2D Higher-Metal Nitride Nanosheets for Solar Steam Generation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201770. [PMID: 35694762 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Higher-metal (HM) nitrides are a fascinating family of materials being increasingly researched due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, few focus on investigating their application in a solar steam generation because the controllable and large-scale synthesis of these materials remains a significant challenge. Herein, it is reported that higher-metal molybdenum nitride nanosheets (HM-Mo5 N6 ) can be produced at the gram-scale using amine-functionalized MoS2 as precursor. The first-principles calculation confirms amine-functionalized MoS2 nanosheet effectively lengthens the bonds of MoS leading to a lower bond binding energy, promoting the formation of MoN bonds and production of HM-Mo5 N6 . Using this strategy, other HM nitride nanosheets, such as W2 N3 , Ta3 N5 , and Nb4 N5 , can also be synthesized. Specifically, under one simulated sunlight irradiation (1 kW m-2 ), the HM-Mo5 N6 nanosheets are heated to 80 °C within only ≈24 s (0.4 min), which is around 78 s faster than the MoS2 samples (102 s/1.7 min). More importantly, HM-Mo5 N6 nanosheets exhibit excellent solar evaporation rate (2.48 kg m-2 h-1 ) and efficiency (114.6%), which are 1.5 times higher than the solar devices of MoS2 /MF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Wang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Jing Shang
- School of Mechanical Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Guoliang Yang
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Yuxi Ma
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Dan Liu
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Huaying Yin
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Dylan Hegh
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Joselito Razal
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Weiwei Lei
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Askes SHC, Garnett EC. Ultrafast Thermal Imprinting of Plasmonic Hotspots. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2105192. [PMID: 34623711 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic photochemistry is driven by a rich collection of near-field, hot charge carrier, energy transfer, and thermal effects, most often accomplished by continuous wave illumination. Heat generation is usually considered undesirable, because noble metal nanoparticles heat up isotropically, losing the extreme energy confinement of the optical resonance. Here it is demonstrated through optical and heat-transfer modelling that the judicious choice of nanoreactor geometry and material enables the direct thermal imprint of plasmonic optical absorption hotspots onto the lattice with high fidelity. Transition metal nitrides (TMNs, e.g., TiN/HfN) embody the ideal material requirements, where ultrafast electron-phonon coupling prevents fast electronic heat dissipation and low thermal conductivity prolongs the heat confinement. The extreme energy confinement leads to unprecedented peak temperatures and internal heat gradients (>10 K nm-1 ) that cannot be achieved using noble metals or any current heating method. TMN nanoreactors consequently yield up to ten thousand times more product in pulsed photothermal chemical conversion compared with noble metals (Ag, Au, Cu). These findings open up a completely unexplored realm of nano-photochemistry, where adjacent reaction centers experience substantially different temperatures for hundreds of picoseconds, long enough for bond breaking to occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven H C Askes
- Center for Nanophotonics, AMOLF, Science Park 104, Amsterdam, 1098 XG, The Netherlands
| | - Erik C Garnett
- Center for Nanophotonics, AMOLF, Science Park 104, Amsterdam, 1098 XG, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parvizian M, De Roo J. Precursor chemistry of metal nitride nanocrystals. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:18865-18882. [PMID: 34779811 PMCID: PMC8615547 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05092c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metal nitride nanocrystals are a versatile class of nanomaterials. Depending on their chemical composition, the optical properties vary from those of traditional semiconductor nanocrystals (called quantum dots) to more metallic character (featuring a plasmon resonance). However, the synthesis of colloidal metal nitride nanocrystals is challenging since the underlying precursor chemistry is much less developed compared to the chemistry of metal, metal chalcogenide or metal phosphide nanocrystals. Here, we review chemical approaches that lead (or could lead) to the formation of colloidally stable metal nitride nanocrystals. By systematically comparing different synthetic approaches, we uncover trends and gain insight into the chemistry of these challenging materials. We also discuss and critically evaluate the plausibility of certain suggested mechanisms. This review is meant as a guide for the further development of colloidal nitride nanocrystals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Parvizian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jonathan De Roo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma C, Yu P, Wang W, Zhu Y, Lin F, Wang J, Jing Z, Kong XT, Li P, Govorov AO, Liu D, Xu H, Wang Z. Chiral Optofluidics with a Plasmonic Metasurface Using the Photothermal Effect. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16357-16367. [PMID: 34546029 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic metasurfaces with the photothermal effect have been increasingly investigated for optofluidics. Meanwhile, along with the expanding application of circularly polarized light, a growing number of investigations on chiral plasmonic metasurfaces have been conducted. However, few studies have explored the chirality and the thermal-induced convection of such systems simultaneously. This paper aims to theoretically investigate the dynamics of the thermally induced fluid convection of a chiral plasmonic metasurface. The proposed metasurface exhibits giant circular dichroism in absorption and thus leads to a strong photothermal effect. On the basis of the multiphysical analysis, including optics, thermodynamics, and hydrodynamics, we propose a concept of chiral spectroscopy termed optofluidic circular dichroism. Our results show that different fluid velocities of thermally induced convection appear around a chiral plasmonic metasurface under different circularly polarized excitation. The chiral fluid convection is induced by an asymmetric heat distribution generated by absorbed photons in the plasmonic heater. This concept can be potentially used to induce chiral fluid convection utilizing the chiral photothermal effect. Our proposed structure can potentially be used in various optofluidics applications related to biochemistry, clinical biology, and so on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiping Ma
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Peng Yu
- College of Optoelectronic Technology, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yisong Zhu
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Zhimin Jing
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | | | - Peihang Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Alexander O Govorov
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204-4006, United States
| | - Hongxing Xu
- School of Physics and Technology, Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-structures of Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Science, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou 313001, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Manuel AP, Shankar K. Hot Electrons in TiO 2-Noble Metal Nano-Heterojunctions: Fundamental Science and Applications in Photocatalysis. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1249. [PMID: 34068571 PMCID: PMC8151081 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic photocatalysis enables innovation by harnessing photonic energy across a broad swathe of the solar spectrum to drive chemical reactions. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments and issues for advanced research in plasmonic hot electron driven photocatalytic technologies focusing on TiO2-noble metal nanoparticle heterojunctions. In-depth discussions on fundamental hot electron phenomena in plasmonic photocatalysis is the focal point of this review. We summarize hot electron dynamics, elaborate on techniques to probe and measure said phenomena, and provide perspective on potential applications-photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, CO2 photoreduction, and photoelectrochemical water splitting-that benefit from this technology. A contentious and hitherto unexplained phenomenon is the wavelength dependence of plasmonic photocatalysis. Many published reports on noble metal-metal oxide nanostructures show action spectra where quantum yields closely follow the absorption corresponding to higher energy interband transitions, while an equal number also show quantum efficiencies that follow the optical response corresponding to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). We have provided a working hypothesis for the first time to reconcile these contradictory results and explain why photocatalytic action in certain plasmonic systems is mediated by interband transitions and in others by hot electrons produced by the decay of particle plasmons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay P. Manuel
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada;
- Future Energy Systems Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1K4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Esfahani Monfared Y, Dasog M. Computational investigation of the plasmonic properties of TiN, ZrN, and HfN nanoparticles: the role of particle size, medium, and surface oxidation. CAN J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2020-0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Group 4 transition metal nitride (TMN) nanoparticles (NPs) display strong plasmonic responses in the visible and near-infrared regimes, exhibit high melting points and significant chemical stability, and thus are potential earth-abundant alternatives to Au and Ag based plasmonic applications. However, a detailed understanding of the relationship between TMN NP physical properties and plasmonic response is required to maximize their utility. In this study, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) frequency, bandwidth, and extinction of titanium nitride (TiN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), and hafnium nitride (HfN) NPs were examined as a function of the particle size, surface oxidation, and refractive index of the surrounding medium using finite element method (FEM). A linear redshift in the LSPR frequency and a linear increase in the associated full width at half maximum (FWHM) was observed with increasing the particle size, oxidation layer thickness, and medium refractive index. We show that the effect of surface oxidation on plasmonic properties of TMN NPs is strongly size-dependent with a significant LSPR redshift, intensity reduction, and broadening in small NPs compared with larger NPs. Furthermore, the performance and efficiency of HfN, ZrN, and TiN, as well as Au NPs for narrowband (photothermal therapy, PTT) and broadband (solar energy conversion) applications, was investigated in detail. The results indicate that narrowband and broadband photothermal performance of NPs strongly depend on the particle size, surface properties, and in case of narrowband absorption, excitation wavelength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Esfahani Monfared
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Mita Dasog
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, 6274 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Diroll BT, Brumberg A, Leonard AA, Panuganti S, Watkins NE, Cuthriell SA, Harvey SM, Kinigstein ED, Yu J, Zhang X, Kanatzidis MG, Wasielewski MR, Chen LX, Schaller RD. Photothermal behaviour of titanium nitride nanoparticles evaluated by transient X-ray diffraction. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:2658-2664. [PMID: 33496308 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08202c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The photothermal properties of metal nitrides have recently received significant attention owing to diverse applications in solar energy conversion, photothermal therapies, photoreactions, and thermochromic windows. Here, the photothermal response of titanium nitride nanoparticles is examined using transient X-ray diffraction, in which optical excitation is synchronized with X-ray pulses to characterize dynamic changes in the TiN lattice. Photoinduced diffraction data is quantitatively analyzed to determine increases in the TiN lattice spacing, which are furthermore calibrated against static, temperature-dependent diffraction patterns of the same samples. Measurements of 20 nm and 50 nm diameter TiN nanoparticles reveal transient lattice heating from room temperature up to ∼175 °C for the highest pump fluences investigated here. Increasing excitation intensity drives sublinear increases in lattice temperature, due to increased heat capacity at the higher effective temperatures achieved at higher powers. Temporal dynamics show that higher excitation intensity drives not only higher lattice temperatures, but also unexpectedly slower cooling of the TiN nanoparticles, which is attributed to heating of the solvent proximal to the nanoparticle surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Diroll
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA.
| | - Alexandra Brumberg
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Ariel A Leonard
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Chemical Science and Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Shobhana Panuganti
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Nicolas E Watkins
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Shelby A Cuthriell
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Samantha M Harvey
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Eli D Kinigstein
- X-ray Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Jin Yu
- X-ray Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- X-ray Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Mercouri G Kanatzidis
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Michael R Wasielewski
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Lin X Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Chemical Science and Engineering, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA and Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Richard D Schaller
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| |
Collapse
|