Hybrid nanostructures of metal/two-dimensional nanomaterials for plasmon-enhanced applications

Abstract

Hybrid nanostructures composed of graphene or other two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and plasmonic metal components have been extensively studied. The unusual properties of 2D materials are associated with their atomically thin thickness and 2D morphology, and many impressive structures enable the metal nanomaterials to establish various interesting hybrid nanostructures with outstanding plasmonic properties. In addition, the hybrid nanostructures display unique optical characteristics that are derived from the close conjunction of plasmonic optical effects and the unique physicochemical properties of 2D materials. More importantly, the hybrid nanostructures show several plasmonic electrical effects including an improved photogeneration rate, efficient carrier transfer, and a plasmon-induced "hot carrier", playing a significant role in enhancing device performance. They have been widely studied for plasmon-enhanced optical signals, photocatalysis, photodetectors (PDs), and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of metal/2D hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. Preparation of hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the 2D material type, as well as the metal nanomaterial morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then described. Lastly, possible future research in this promising field is discussed.

Silver nanoparticles-sensitized cobalt complex for highly-efficient photocatalytic activity

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Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Photothermal Therapy

“…2D nanomaterials exhibit plasmonic effects upon near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation, which favors the conversion of light energy into thermal energy. Compared to other nanomaterials, 2D nanomaterials have the following advantages: 1) The optical properties of 2D nanomaterials can be adjusted by changing the number of their layers or integration with other plasmonic metals . 2) After the surface modification of 2D nanomaterials, their large surface area can accommodate guest molecules for synergized therapy, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, photosensitizers, and immune adjuvants.…”

Molecular sensitivity of metal nanoparticles decorated graphene‐family nanomaterials as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platforms

“…Graphene‐decorated with metal nanocrystals are attracting a great deal of attention. For instance, the inclusion of metal (Fe, Gd, and Al), alkali metal (Li, Na, and K), and coinage metal nanoparticles (Cu, Ag, and Au) onto GFNs result in SERS, better electrocatalytic activity, increased sensitivity, and specificity in chemical, electrochemical sensing, and DNA detection . The GFNs are proposed for Raman enhancement, termed as graphene‐mediated surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (G‐SERS) in comparison with other substrates .…”