TiO2 mesoporous thin film architecture as a tool to control Au nanoparticles growth and sensing capabilities

文献情報

出版日 2019-04-25

DOI 10.1039/C9CP01896D

インパクトファクター 3.676

著者

Paula Y. Steinberg, M. Mercedes Zalduendo, Gustavo Giménez, Galo J. A. A. Soler-Illia, Paula C. Angelomé

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要旨

In this paper, a systematic study regarding the effect of the mesoporous structure over Au nanoparticles (NPs) growth inside and through the pores of mesoporous TiO2 thin films (MTTFs) is presented, and the effect of such characteristics over the composites’ sensing capabilities is evaluated. Highly stable MTTFs with different pore diameters (range: 4–8 nm) and pore arrangements (body- and face-centered cubic) were synthesized and characterized. Au NPs were grown inside the pores, and it was demonstrated—through a careful physicochemical characterization—that the amount of incorporated Au and NP size depends on the pore array; being higher for bigger pore diameters and face-centered cubic structures. The same structure allows the growth of more and longer tips over Au NPs deposited at the thin film–substrate interface. Finally, to confirm the effect of the structural characteristics of the composites over their possible applications, the materials were tested as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based substrates. The composites with a higher amount of Au and more ramified NPs were the ones that presented better sensitivity in the detection of a probe molecule (4-nitrothiophenol). Overall, this work demonstrates that the pore size and ordering in MTTFs determine the materials’ accessibility and connectivity, and therefore, have a clear impact on their potential applications.

掲載誌

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

CiteScore: 5.5

自己引用率: 10.3%

年間論文数: 3036

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.