Confocal micro-Raman observation of nanometer thick oxide layers on metal nanoparticles

It is shown for the first time that confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect metal oxide nanometer thick layers on metal nanoparticles. The measured frequencies of the observed oxide layers are shifted to lower frequencies and the line widths were asymmetrically broadened compared to Raman spectrum in bulk oxide of the metals. The effects are due to phonon confinement which occurs in materials of nanometer dimensions. Models of phonon confinement are used to estimate the thickness of the oxide layers.