Synthesis and Surface Engineering of Plasmonic Nanoparticles

When light interacts with plasmonic nanoparticles, their free
electrons are driven by the alternating electric field and collectively
oscillate at a resonant frequency leading to a phenomenon known
as surface plasmon resonance. The frequency and amplitude of the
resonance are sensitive to particle size and shape, which determine
how the free electrons are polarized and distributed on the surface.
As a consequence, control of the size and shape of plasmonic
nanoparticles represents the most powerful means to tailor and
finely tune their optical properties. In this chapter, a few among the
most important techniques enabling size/shape-controlled growth
of metal nanoparticles will be reviewed. Some examples of postsynthesis nanoparticle purification and surface modification toward
plasmonic applications will also be provided.