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Quantitative Single-Particle Analysis: Plasmon Damping Modulation via Interfacial Engineering in Metal-Semiconductor
Rafifah Hana Raihana Syam1, Yola Yolanda Alizar1, Ji Won Ha1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan, 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
Analytical Chemistry
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Surface damping competition in metal-semiconductor heterostructures is key for controlling plasmon lifetimes. Semiconductor interface damping (SID) dominates, suppressing chemical interface damping (CID) and impacting photocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Plasmon damping is crucial for metal-semiconductor heterostructures in photocatalysis and photochemistry.
- The interplay of different surface damping pathways is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and analyze asymmetric Au-AgCdSe heterostructures to understand plasmon damping.
- To investigate the competition between semiconductor interface damping (SID) and chemical interface damping (CID).
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of asymmetric matchstick-shaped Au-AgCdSe heterostructures.
- Single-particle dark-field spectroscopy to analyze plasmon damping.
- Using 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) as a molecular probe for chemical interface damping (CID) studies.
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and d-band center analysis.
Main Results:
- Pronounced SID at the metal-semiconductor interface, accounting for significant energy loss.
- Anomalous narrowing of plasmon line widths in Au-AgCdSe heterostructures with 4-NTP, indicating CID suppression.
- Surface damping competition governs plasmonic response, with SID being dominant.
- SERS signal suppression on heterostructures due to plasmon damping, reduced enhancement, and attenuated charge transfer.
Conclusions:
- Surface damping competition is a fundamental principle for tuning plasmon lifetimes in heterostructures.
- SID plays a primary role in governing plasmonic behavior and suppressing CID.
- Findings have implications for optimizing plasmon-enhanced sensing and photocatalysis.
