Abstract
In comparison to single Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), bimetallic nanoparticles allow fine-tuning of the optical and photothermal properties. Considering the fact that both Au and Ag plasmonic NPs exhibit strong and enhanced optical absorption in the visible spectrum, the composition of these two materials is notably intriguing. Therefore, the combination of these two metals as an alloy of Aux–Ag(1−x) will provide better control of optical and thermoplasmonic properties by changing the size and composition. The proposed computer simulation work examines the thermal effects of Au–Ag alloy nanospheres under surface plasmon resonance (SPR) due to the coherent oscillation of conduction electrons within the NPs. It is demonstrated that the SPR of Aux–Ag(1−x) alloy nanospheres could be easily altered by varying the radius and also the composition of alloys (in water ambience). The rise of steady-state temperature is calculated by the integration of Ag into spherical Au NPs, as demonstrated by photothermal heat transfer research. Absorption of light by metallic alloy nanospheres was studied by changing the composition of such alloy spheres with a possibility to alter the SPR absorption range, which is tuned from 392 to 580 nm. This investigation of the optical and photothermal properties of bimetallic Au–Ag alloy nanospheres offers a thorough scientific understanding towards the synthesis of new custom plasmonic nanostructured materials.
Graphical abstract
Schematic of the photo-thermal conversion process in spherical NPs along with its temperature profile.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
First author (Mr. Kailash) is thankful to Dr. Pradeep Bhatia (Ph.D. from S.L.I.E.T. and at present faculty at Bahra University, Solan, HP) for his continuous guidance during the course of this work.
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Kailash, Verma, S.S. Thermoplasmonic study of AuxAg(1−x) alloy nanospheres. Opt Quant Electron 55, 447 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-023-04713-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-023-04713-z