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Size Control in the Colloidal Synthesis of Plasmonic Magnesium Nanoparticles
Elizabeth R Hopper1,2,3, Thomas M R Wayman1,2, Jérémie Asselin1,2
1Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and Interfaces
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) are synthesized via a cost-effective colloidal method. This research details how reaction parameters control Mg NP size for plasmonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Plasmonic nanoparticles exhibit localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs), enabling diverse applications.
- Magnesium (Mg) is an earth-abundant plasmonic material with LSPRs across UV-Vis-NIR spectrum.
- Previous Mg NP synthesis methods were slow and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore colloidal synthesis for Mg nanoparticles.
- To systematically investigate reaction parameters influencing Mg NP nucleation and growth.
- To enable large-scale, cost-effective production of Mg NPs for plasmonic applications.
Main Methods:
- Colloidal synthesis of Mg nanoparticles.
- Systematic variation of reaction parameters: time, concentration, electron carrier, metal salt additives, temperature, solvent coordination, and scale.
- Analysis of Mg NP size and shape control.
Main Results:
- Achieved Mg NP sizes from 80 nm to over a micrometer by tuning reaction parameters.
- Demonstrated control over NP size via reaction time, concentration, additives, temperature, and solvent coordination.
- Identified specific conditions for synthesizing small (80 nm), medium (~100 nm), intermediate (up to 400 nm), and large (>1 micrometer) Mg NPs.
- Found minimal impact of Mg precursor/electron carrier ratio on NP size.
Conclusions:
- Developed a facile and inexpensive colloidal synthesis for magnesium nanoparticles.
- Established a systematic understanding of reaction parameter control over Mg NP size and growth.
- Paved the way for large-scale application of magnesium as a sustainable and affordable plasmonic material.
