Expanding the potential of gold nanorods: From size dependence and intrinsic anisotropy to formulating a new class of surface coatings

The unique optical and physical properties of gold nanorods (AuNRs) affords them tremendous applicability in the realms of medicine, sensors, and optics, among others. Their properties are intimately associated with their size, shape, and surface chemistry all of which can be altered synthetically, and ultimately determine the application they can be useful in. This thesis aims to expand on the relevant understanding of AuNRs and how altering simple, yet important properties of the particle such as size, aspect ratio, and surface coating can vastly influence their efficacy as plasmonic nanomaterials. In Chapter 1, the general optical and physical properties of AuNRs is explained in depth, and how manipulating the size, shape, and surface chemistry can enable a multitude of different applications. In Chapter 2, using size as a handle for controlling the optical and photothermal properties of AuNRs is explored in depth, and the unexpected results that occur. In Chapter 3, using two different surface chemistry approaches, mesoporous silica either on the tips only or all around the particle, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement available can be influenced depending on the interaction between the analyte and the surface coating, and where the coating is located. Chapter 4 explains attempts to develop a new class of calcium phosphate surface coatings for AuNRs to achieve further biocompatibility with simple surface coatings. Finally, in Chapter 5, the collaborative work with the Nesbitt group at the University of Colorado at Boulder is shown, and that the AuNR length-to-width ratio and silica coating thickness are viable handles to control the directionality of multi-photon photoemission with AuNRs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Meyer, Sean

Contributors dc:contributor

• Murphy, Catherine J
• Bhargava, Rohit
• Jain, Prashant
• Rodriguez-Lopez, Joaquin

• Gold
• nanorod
• material
• chemistry
• surface
• silica
• SERS

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Sean Meyer

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115529

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F115529