Yossi Weizmann

Yossi Weizmann
Yossi Weizmann
Yossi Weizmann, Zuckerman Faculty Scholar, publishes paper in Nature Communications
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Abstract:
Using photons to drive chemical reactions has become an increasingly important field of chemistry. Plasmonic materials can provide a means to introduce the energy necessary for nucleation and growth of nanoparticles by efficiently converting visible and infrared light to heat. Moreover, the formation of crystalline nanoparticles has yet to be included in the extensive list of plasmonic photothermal processes. Herein, we establish a light-assisted colloidal synthesis of iron oxide, silver, and palladium nanoparticles by utilizing silica-encapsulated gold bipyramids as plasmonic heat sources. Our work shows that the silica surface chemistry and localized thermal hotspot generated by the plasmonic nanoparticles play crucial roles in the formation mechanism, enabling nucleation and growth at temperatures considerably lower than conventional heating.