Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.5
4.4
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications
share announcement

Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanophotonics Materials and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 7407

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carlos Lodeiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Inorganic Chemistry and NanoChemistry, NOVA School Of Science And Technology, FCT NOVA, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: metallic nanoparticles; nanoproteomics; imaging; silica nanoparticles; catalysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Adrián Fernández Lodeiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nanotechnology Imaging and Detection Laboratory University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: metallic nanoparticles with applications in sensing; catalysis; biomedicine; SERS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Javier Fernandez Lodeiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
LAQV-REQUIMTE—Chemistry Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
Interests: chalcogenide materials; green methodologies; iron and nobel nanoparticles; rods and quantum dots
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Noble metal-based nanostructures delve into the fascinating realm of nanotechnology, specifically focusing on gold, silver, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium. These noble metals exhibit unique optical properties at the nanoscale, making them pivotal in various applications.

Gold nanostructures are renowned for their exceptional optical properties, particularly the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. This property is exploited in applications such as biosensing and medical diagnostics, where the interactions of gold nanoparticles with biological molecules enable sensitive detection.

Silver nanostructures likewise possess remarkable optical characteristics, including strong plasmonic responses. These properties find applications in diverse fields, such as catalysis, sensing, and imaging. Silver nanoparticles, with their tunable plasmonic resonance, contribute to advancements in medical diagnostics and therapeutics.

Palladium nanostructures showcase distinct optical properties that enhance their catalytic activity. This is crucial in catalysis applications, including environmental remediation and industrial processes. The utilization of palladium nanostructures in catalysis demonstrates their significance in sustainable and efficient chemical transformations.

Platinum nanostructures, with their unique optical signatures, play a crucial role in various applications, including fuel cells and catalysis. The exploration of their optical properties contributes to the design of efficient and stable catalysts for energy conversion and storage.

Ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium nanostructures, although less explored, exhibit promising optical properties. These metals hold potential in catalysis, sensing, and emerging technologies. The study of their optical characteristics opens avenues for novel applications in areas such as electronics and photonics.

In summary, this Special Issue underscores the significance of noble metal-based nanostructures in leveraging their optical properties for a spectrum of applications. The comprehensive exploration of gold, silver, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and iridium nanostructures provides insights into their diverse roles, paving the way for advancements in fields ranging from medicine to sustainable energy. We would like to invite specialists in the field to submit both original research papers as well as review articles on basic aspects of and future directions in this fantastic field.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Lodeiro
Dr. Adrián Fernández Lodeiro
Dr. Javier Fernandez Lodeiro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • noble metal-based nanostructures
  • gold nanoparticles
  • silver nanoparticles
  • optical properties

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1800 KiB  
Article
A “Talking” between Gold Nanoparticle and a Luminescent Iridium(III) Complex: A Study of the Effect Due to the Interaction between Plasmon Resonance and a Fluorophore
by Angela Candreva, Loredana Ricciardi, Elisabeta I. Szerb and Massimo La Deda
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191543 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1078
Abstract
This paper explores a novel synthesis and characterization of silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) embedding a highly emissive cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, denoted as Ir1. We investigate the optical properties and the interplay between the metal compound and gold plasmon, observing how the [...] Read more.
This paper explores a novel synthesis and characterization of silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs) embedding a highly emissive cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, denoted as Ir1. We investigate the optical properties and the interplay between the metal compound and gold plasmon, observing how the emission of Ir1 incorporated into the nanoparticles shows two emission bands, one in the blue and the other in the green-orange range of the visible spectrum. To obtain a clearer picture of what we were observing, we synthesized analogous nanosystems, from which it was possible to highlight the effect of different features. Based on what we observed, we proposed that the fraction of the iridium(III) complex in direct contact with the surface of the gold nanoparticle undergoes a “demixing” of the excited state, which, for cyclometalated iridium complexes, is generally considered a mixed LC+MLCT state. This preliminary study sheds light on the complexity of the “talking” between a fluorophore and a plasmonic system, highlighting the importance of considering the emitter typology when modeling such systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3029 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Structural Analysis, and Peroxidase-Mimicking Activity of AuPt Branched Nanoparticles
by Silvia Nuti, Javier Fernández-Lodeiro, Jose M. Palomo, José-Luis Capelo-Martinez, Carlos Lodeiro and Adrián Fernández-Lodeiro
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131166 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1883
Abstract
Bimetallic nanomaterials have generated significant interest across diverse scientific disciplines, due to their unique and tunable properties arising from the synergistic combination of two distinct metallic elements. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing branched gold–platinum nanoparticles by utilizing poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)-stabilized [...] Read more.
Bimetallic nanomaterials have generated significant interest across diverse scientific disciplines, due to their unique and tunable properties arising from the synergistic combination of two distinct metallic elements. This study presents a novel approach for synthesizing branched gold–platinum nanoparticles by utilizing poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)-stabilized branched gold nanoparticles, with a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response of around 1000 nm, as a template for platinum deposition. This approach allows precise control over nanoparticle size, the LSPR band, and the branching degree at an ambient temperature, without the need for high temperatures or organic solvents. The resulting AuPt branched nanoparticles not only demonstrate optical activity but also enhanced catalytic properties. To evaluate their catalytic potential, we compared the enzymatic capabilities of gold and gold–platinum nanoparticles by examining their peroxidase-like activity in the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Our findings revealed that the incorporation of platinum onto the gold surface substantially enhanced the catalytic efficiency, highlighting the potential of these bimetallic nanoparticles in catalytic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3212 KiB  
Article
Tryptophanhydroxamic Acid-Stabilized Ultrasmall Gold Nanoclusters: Tuning the Selectivity for Metal Ion Sensing
by Gyöngyi Gombár, Ditta Ungor, István Szatmári, Ádám Juhász and Edit Csapó
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050434 - 27 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1566
Abstract
Sub-nanometer-sized gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were prepared via the spontaneous reduction of [AuCl4]−- ions with a hydroxamate derivative of L-tryptophan (Trp) natural amino acid (TrpHA). The prepared TrpHA-Au NCs possess intense blue emission (λem = 470 nm; [...] Read more.
Sub-nanometer-sized gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) were prepared via the spontaneous reduction of [AuCl4]−- ions with a hydroxamate derivative of L-tryptophan (Trp) natural amino acid (TrpHA). The prepared TrpHA-Au NCs possess intense blue emission (λem = 470 nm; λex = 380 nm) with a 2.13% absolute quantum yield and 1.47 ns average lifetime. The Trp-stabilized noble metal NCs are excellent metal ion sensors for Fe3+, but in this work, we highlighted that the incorporation of the hydroxamate functional group with an excellent metal ion binding capability can tune the selectivity and sensitivity of these NCs, which is a promising way to design novel strategies for the detection of other metal ions as well. Moreover, their simultaneous identification can also be realized. By decreasing the sensitivity of our nano-sensor for Fe3+ (limit of detection (LOD) ~11 µM), it was clearly demonstrated that the selectivity for Cu2+-ions can be significantly increased (LOD = 3.16 µM) in an acidic (pH = 3–4) condition. The surface-bounded TrpHA molecules can coordinate the Cu2+ confirmed by thermodynamic data, which strongly generates the linking of the NCs via the Cu2+ ions in acidic pH, and a parallel fluorescence quenching occurs. In the case of Fe3+, the degree of quenching strongly depends on the metal ion concentration, and it only occurs when the NCs are not able to bind more Fe3+ (~10 µM) on the surface, causing the NCs’ aggregation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 2882 KiB  
Review
Gold Nanoprobes for Robust Colorimetric Detection of Nucleic Acid Sequences Related to Disease Diagnostics
by Maria Enea, Andreia Leite, Ricardo Franco and Eulália Pereira
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1833; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221833 - 16 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attractive for applications in the field of biosensing, particularly for colorimetric nucleic acid detection. Their unique optical properties, which are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, make them ideal candidates for developing simple, rapid, and cost-effective assays. [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attractive for applications in the field of biosensing, particularly for colorimetric nucleic acid detection. Their unique optical properties, which are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, make them ideal candidates for developing simple, rapid, and cost-effective assays. When functionalized with oligonucleotides (Au-nanoprobes), they can undergo aggregation or dispersion in the presence of complementary sequences, leading to distinct color changes that serve as a visual signal for detection. Aggregation-based assays offer significant advantages over other homogeneous assays, such as fluorescence-based methods, namely, label-free protocols, rapid interactions in homogeneous solutions, and detection by the naked eye or using low-cost instruments. Despite promising results, the application of Au-nanoprobe-based colorimetric assays in complex biological matrices faces several challenges. The most significant are related to the colloidal stability and oligonucleotide functionalization of the Au-nanoprobes but also to the mode of detection. The type of functionalization method, type of spacer, the oligo–AuNPs ratio, changes in pH, temperature, or ionic strength influence the Au-nanoprobe colloidal stability and thus the performance of the assay. This review elucidates characteristics of the Au-nanoprobes that are determined for colorimetric gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based nucleic acid detection, and how they influence the sensitivity and specificity of the colorimetric assay. These characteristics of the assay are fundamental to developing low-cost, robust biomedical sensors that perform effectively in biological fluids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metal-Based Nanostructures: Optical Properties and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop