Electrochemical characterization of plasmonic electrodes via scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)

• Grant number: 24/17971-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 10, 2024
• End date: March 02, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Cancino Bernardi
• Grantee: Francisco Malva Chiaratti Soares de Oliveira
• Supervisor: Christine Kranz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Ulm University, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/10670-5 - Spectroelectrochemical study of sensors photoactivated by plasmonic nanoparticles, BP.IC

Abstract

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been explored in electronic devices to improve their performance. Some studies indicated that after photoactivation these plasmonic nanoparticles can provide more energetic electrons which are capable of catalyze chemical reactions. However, such effects are not well understood. New approaches are required which allow to gain insight into the gain of current of photoactivated plasmonic nanoparticles, ideally at the nanoparticle or nanoparticle assembly level. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is highly suitable to study nanomaterials, which has been demonstrated also for light-driven reactions at nanomaterials within the last decade (1-10). Since plasmonic nanoparticles can produce energetic electrons in the presence of light, SECM will be used to verify the gain of current density of electrodes modified with plasmonic nanoparticles. Such mapping experiments will be performed under dark and irradiation conditions also using localized irradiation, a technique, which is available at the host institution. In this context, the main goal of this BEPE internship is to characterize indium tin oxide (ITOs) electrodes modified with gold nanorods as a thin film, both before and during photoactivation by a laser source at the same wavelength as the AuNR´s LSPR. The results will provide important scientific evidence of the plasmonic enhanced of electron current (PEEC) phenomenon. His supervisor Juliana has already established a cooperation with Prof. Dr. Christine Kranz, Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, and the continuation of this international cooperation is very important for the success of our research. Kranz's expertise and collaboration have been invaluable, and we are confident that our joint efforts will lead to significant breakthroughs and knowledge transfer, to work on a collaborative research project on the nanointerface using the next-generation multifunctional analytical platforms.