Creation of Assembled Plasmonic Network Architectures with Selective Capture of Guest Molecules in Hotspots Region

摘要

Plasmonic networks attract increasing attention owing to their strongplasmon coupling effects at hotspot regions, where intriguing, collectiveoptical behavior and field enhancement occur. Engineering network architectureswith flexible control over density and intensity of hotspots, thusfine-tuning electromagnetic field is the prerequisite for fully exploiting theirpotential use in diverse plasmon-based applications, but it represents agreat challenge. Herein, a cage-assisted bottom-up self-assembly strategy isproposed to construct a series of cage-bridged complex network architectureswith a high degree of flexibility in hotspot modulation. Critical parametersassociated with plasmonic networks, including interparticle distance, thedensity and intensity of hotspots, as well as molecule accessibility of hotspotcan be simultaneously and flexibly adjusted at will. Importantly, the integrationof host–guest chemistry of molecular cages into interparticle regions ofnetworks endows selective molecule trapping capability in hotspots, offeringtremendous opportunities for broader plasmon-based applications. Thepresent study not only develops efficient plasmonic networks with enhanceddensity of hotspots and intense electromagnetic fields, but also provides newavenues for artificially engineering network architectures with advanced functionalitiesand facilitates further applications in sensing and optoelectronics.