Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

3736

Date

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Chemistry

Concentration

Physical Chemistry

Committee Chair

Yongmei Wang

Committee Member

Tomoko Fujiwara

Committee Member

William Alexander

Committee Member

Xiao Shen

Abstract

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique optical-plasmonic properties that make them advantageous for numerous applications. Gold nanomaterials in particular have been employed in imaging, sensing, and therapeutic applications due to their simple conjugation with various biomarkers as well as their biocompatibility and low reactivity. As a result of the large electric fields generated at the surfaces of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) by the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the conduction band electrons, Ag and Au NPs greatly enhance the signals of Raman scattering by adsorbed molecules. The suitability of a particle for use in a specific application is often dependent on the particle’s LSPR properties. The computational methods of Mie Theory and the Discrete Dipole Approximation enable the computation of optical scattering and absorption spectra, and surface electric fields (E-fields) and offer valuable insight into the effects of NP characteristics on NP LSPR properties. In this dissertation, we have investigated the effects of various NP attributes including particle size, chemical composition, structure, and shape. Through these studies we have aimed to guide experimental efforts in optimizing the design of NPs for various applications as well as to provide a better understanding of the observed LSPR properties of previously synthesized NPs.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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