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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
13:42
Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis
Published on: July 10, 2021
15.9K
Trihydrogen Formation on Gold Nanoparticles in Strong Laser Fields
Ritika Dagar1,2,3, Wenbin Zhang1,4, Philipp Rosenberger1
1Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
Nano Letters
|January 27, 2026
Summary
The trihydrogen cation (H3+) is crucial for proton transfer. Nanoparticle shape significantly influences H3+ formation under laser fields, with faceted gold nanoparticles enhancing production through concentrated charge.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The trihydrogen cation (H3+) is vital in proton-transfer chemistry and astrochemical pathways.
- Gas-phase H3+ formation is well-studied, but surface-mediated generation and morphology effects are less understood.
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are suitable for studying nonequilibrium reactions due to charge localization and strong electric fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate surface-mediated H3+ generation on gold nanoparticles.
- To explore the influence of nanoparticle morphology on H3+ production efficiency.
- To understand how strong-field interactions at metal interfaces drive nanoscale reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reaction nanoscopy to spatially map H3+ production.
- Exposed spherical and faceted gold nanoparticles to intense femtosecond laser fields.
- Analyzed the correlation between nanoparticle morphology, charge density, and H3+ yield.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that nanoparticle morphology modulates surface charge density and reaction efficiency.
- Observed enhanced H3+ yields on faceted nanoparticles compared to spherical ones.
- Identified that sharp features on faceted particles concentrate charge, promoting molecular fragmentation and proton rearrangement.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle morphology is a critical factor in controlling surface-mediated H3+ formation.
- Strong-field interactions at metal interfaces can be harnessed to drive nanoscale chemical reactions.
- This research opens avenues for advanced photocatalysis and tailored nanoscale reactivity.
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