Plasmon-directed polymerization: Regulating polymer growth with light

Abstract

Plasmon-induced polymerization can facilitate the site-selectivity and orientation of polymer growth, which enriches the toolbox of polymerization and nanofabrication. Here, we demonstrate plasmon-induced polymerization, accomplished by low-power laser excitation of gold nanoparticles (NPs). We selectively control the growth of polymers around single plasmonic NPs while monitoring the polymerization using dark field spectroscopy and subsequent scanning electron microscopy. This plasmon-induced polymerization, generated by hot electron initiation, not only precisely controls the thickness and composition of the polymer coatings but also regulates the location and orientation of the growth, which are strongly influenced by the laser polarization and near-field distribution around the plasmonic NPs. A saturation increase in the polymer thickness provides a strong support for our mechanism. This facile approach of nanoscale polymerization directed by light not only provides new opportunities in nanosynthesis and nanofabrication for functional devices, but also opens many routes for polymer physics and chemistry at the nanoscale level.

Plasmon-triggered living photopolymerization for elaboration of hybrid polymer/metal nanoparticles

“…This experiment validates the development process. We also excluded, in our experimental conditions, a direct polymerization of the acrylic monomer as described by Wang et al[54,55]. In their study, the authors explained that the polymerization on the NP surface is triggered by the ejection of hot electrons, without the need of a 416 photoinitiator.…”

New Variants of Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization

“…The first application of plasmon energy for the polymerization was proposed by Baumberg [ 99 , 100 ], where styrene underwent radical polymerization between two nanoantennas. Slightly later, some attempts were made with RAFT agents [ 101 ].…”

Plasmonic Heterostructure TiO2‐MCs/WO3−x‐NWs with Continuous Photoelectron Injection Boosting Hot Electron for Methane Generation

“…Plasmonic photocatalyst coupling noble metal nanoparticle (NPs) and semiconductors have been applied in various fields including water splitting, environmental treatment, and artificial photosynthesis . Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is unique optical property which occurs on rare noble metals (Au, Ag, and Cu) under light irradiation; however, the low‐reserve and high‐cost noble metals restrict their practical utilization in plasmonic photocatalysis.…”