Applications and challenges of thermoplasmonics

Area of Science:

• Thermoplasmonics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing interest in plasmonic nanoparticles for light-controlled heat generation over the past two decades.
• Nanoscale heat release impacts diverse fields like biomedicine, imaging, and catalysis.
• Thermoplasmonics is advancing, with some applications industrializing while others face challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current research landscape in thermoplasmonics.
• To focus on applications and challenges across various scientific disciplines.
• To highlight innovative fundamental research areas.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of thermoplasmonics research.
• Analysis of applications in nanomedicine, cell biology, chemistry, and materials science.
• Scrutiny of challenges and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Identification of key applications in nanomedicine, photothermal chemistry, solar energy, and nanofluidics.
• Assessment of challenges hindering the full potential of some thermoplasmonic applications.
• Highlighting of emerging fundamental research frontiers.

Conclusions:

• Thermoplasmonics is a rapidly evolving field with significant current and potential impact.
• Addressing challenges is crucial for realizing the full promise of thermoplasmonic technologies.
• Continued fundamental research is driving innovation in thermoplasmonics.