Mussel-inspired plasmonic nanohybrids for light harvesting

Adv Mater. 2014 Jul 9;26(26):4463-8. doi: 10.1002/adma.201305766. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Core-shell plasmonic nanohybrids are synthesized through a simple solutionbased process utilizing mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA). The multi-purpose PDA not only facilitates plasmonic metal formation, but also serves as a scaffold to incorporate photosensitizers around the metal cores, as well as an adhesive between the nanohybrids and the substrate. The resulting plasmonic assembly exhibits highly enhanced light absorption in photo catalytic systems to augment artificial photosynthesis.

Keywords: artificial photosynthesis; core-shell nanostructure; light harvesting; plasmonics; polydopamine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bivalvia / chemistry
  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Photochemical Processes
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / methods*

Substances

  • Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes
  • Nanocapsules
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Proteins
  • adhesive protein, mussel