Expanding the potential of gold nanorods: From size dependence and intrinsic anisotropy to formulating a new class of surface coatings

Meyer, Sean

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115529 Copy

Description

Title

Expanding the potential of gold nanorods: From size dependence and intrinsic anisotropy to formulating a new class of surface coatings

Author(s)

Meyer, Sean

Issue Date

2022-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Murphy, Catherine J

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Murphy, Catherine J

Committee Member(s)

• Bhargava, Rohit
• Jain, Prashant
• Rodriguez-Lopez, Joaquin

Department of Study

Chemistry

Discipline

Chemistry

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Gold
• nanorod
• material
• chemistry
• surface
• silica
• SERS

Abstract

The unique optical and physical properties of gold nanorods (AuNRs) affords them tremendous applicability in the realms of medicine, sensors, and optics, among others. Their properties are intimately associated with their size, shape, and surface chemistry all of which can be altered synthetically, and ultimately determine the application they can be useful in. This thesis aims to expand on the relevant understanding of AuNRs and how altering simple, yet important properties of the particle such as size, aspect ratio, and surface coating can vastly influence their efficacy as plasmonic nanomaterials. In Chapter 1, the general optical and physical properties of AuNRs is explained in depth, and how manipulating the size, shape, and surface chemistry can enable a multitude of different applications. In Chapter 2, using size as a handle for controlling the optical and photothermal properties of AuNRs is explored in depth, and the unexpected results that occur. In Chapter 3, using two different surface chemistry approaches, mesoporous silica either on the tips only or all around the particle, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement available can be influenced depending on the interaction between the analyte and the surface coating, and where the coating is located. Chapter 4 explains attempts to develop a new class of calcium phosphate surface coatings for AuNRs to achieve further biocompatibility with simple surface coatings. Finally, in Chapter 5, the collaborative work with the Nesbitt group at the University of Colorado at Boulder is shown, and that the AuNR length-to-width ratio and silica coating thickness are viable handles to control the directionality of multi-photon photoemission with AuNRs.

Graduation Semester

2022-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Sean Meyer

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