Characterizing nanostructured films using phase sensitive vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy

Nanoparticle films are ubiquitous thermal and electrocatalysts, yet their operando characterization remains challenging. Vibrational sum-frequency generation (vSFG) spectroscopy offers unique advantages due to its high sensitivity and surface specificity, but its application to systems with such intermediate length scale disorder, particularly with phase-resolved detection, has been challenging. In this study, we describe an approach to phase-resolved vSFG spectroscopy of nanoparticle films using z-cut α-quartz as a local reference. We show, by analysis of an octadecyltrichlorosilane film on quartz under the ppp polarization condition, that quantitative detection of absolute phase is possible and subsequently apply this protocol to a film of Mn-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles. Two OH species are resolved (∼3585 and ∼3770cm-1), both oriented H-up relative to the surface. This approach delivers a practical, internally referenced, phase-resolved vSFG methodology for nanoparticle ensembles on dielectric supports and, therefore, offers operando access to catalytic interfaces beyond metallic or plasmonically enhanced systems.