Catalytic and optical properties can be coupled by combining different metals into nanoscale architectures in which both the shape and the composition provide fine-tuning of functionality. Here, discrete, small Pt nanoparticles (diameter = 3–6 nm) were grown in linear arrays on Au nanoprisms, and the resulting structures are shown to retain strong localized surface plasmon resonances. Multidimensional electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron tomography, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy) were used to unravel their local composition, three-dimensional morphology, growth patterns, and optical properties. The composition and tomographic analyses disclose otherwise ambiguous details of the Pt-decorated Au nanoprisms, revealing that both pseudospherical protrusions and dendritic Pt nanoparticles grow on all faces of the nanoprisms (the faceted or occasionally twisted morphologies of which are also revealed), and shed light on the alignment of the Pt nanoparticles. The electron energy-loss spectroscopy investigations show that theAu nanoprisms support multiple localized surface plasmon resonancesdespite the presence of pendant Pt nanoparticles. The plasmonic fieldsat the surface of the nanoprisms indeed extend into the Pt nanoparticles,opening possibilities for combined optical and catalytic applications.These insights pave the way toward comprehensive nanoengineering ofmultifunctional bimetallic nanostructures, with potential applicationsin plasmon-enhanced catalysis and in situ monitoring of chemical processesvia surface-enhanced spectroscopy.
展开▼
