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Differential evolution-optimized gold nanorods for enhanced photothermal conversion.
Aimad Koulali1, Piotr Radomski1, Paweł Ziółkowski2
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology, Institute of Energy, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland.
Scientific Reports
|March 20, 2025
Summary
Researchers optimized gold nanorods (AuNRs) for enhanced light-to-heat conversion. Shape and size adjustments significantly boosted photothermal efficiency across various laser wavelengths, showing potential for sustainable energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology and Materials Science
- Sustainable Energy
- Photothermal Conversion
Background:
- Noble metallic nanoparticles (NPs), especially gold nanorods (AuNRs), show promise for sustainable energy and medicine due to tunable optical and electrical properties.
- AuNRs' light-to-heat conversion efficiency is highly dependent on their size and shape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the size and shape of AuNRs for maximizing light-to-heat conversion efficiency.
- To investigate the impact of optimized AuNRs on heat generation in a practical scenario using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm to determine optimal AuNR aspect ratios (AR) for specific wavelengths.
- Employed CFD simulations to model heat generation in a borosilicate glass with embedded AuNRs under laser irradiation.
- Analyzed temperature distributions and evolution to quantify photothermal enhancement.
Main Results:
- Optimization revealed that near-spherical AuNRs (AR ~0.71-0.75) are best for shorter wavelengths, while elongated AuNRs (AR ~0.17-0.24) excel at longer wavelengths.
- CFD simulations demonstrated significant heat generation enhancement across multiple laser wavelengths (465 nm to 980 nm) with optimized AuNRs.
- Specific temperature increases were quantified, highlighting the effectiveness of the optimized nanorods.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully optimized AuNRs for enhanced photothermal conversion.
- Tailoring AuNR size and shape is crucial for maximizing light-to-heat conversion efficiency at different wavelengths.
- Optimized AuNRs show considerable potential for applications requiring efficient light-to-heat conversion, particularly in sustainable energy technologies.
