Design, synthesis and photophysical study of fluorophore modified noble metal nanoparticles

Metal / dielectric nanostructures, such as metal nanoparticles of different shape (spheres, rods, stars) capped with organic adsorbates, have a strong potential for the development of new materials for nanotechnology. Among these structures, those including monolayer protected clusters of noble metal nanoparticles modified with organic fluorophores are of great interest for the fabrication of new fluorescent bio- and chemical sensors, and for optical devices as well. The nature of the interactions between metals and organic fluorophores is still not totally understood. These interactions, which depend on various factors, including the geometry of the systems, the physicochemical properties of the interacting materials and their environment, often result in an enhancement or a quenching of the emission. The performed investigations comprise design, preparation, characterization and photophysical study of monolayer protected clusters of noble metal nanoparticles modified with newly synthesized organic fluorophore.