Theory and experiment indicate that discrete noble metal nanoparticles with diameters between 2 and 3 nanometers (nm) are metallic, yet these particles are known to display bright photoluminescent properties that can be tuned by changing particle composition. Here, we report the impact of surface chemistry on these optoelectronic features for a variety of different metal compositions. Specifically, we investigate the role of small molecule ligands on photoluminescent figures of merit including excitation and emission maxima, quantum yield, and lifetime. Using a combination of surface analysis and molecular characterization techniques, we show that the identity, quantity, and solvent compatibility of these organic ligands can influence each aspect of particle PL properties. The impact of this surface chemistry on their utility in bioimaging and reaction-tracking applications will also be discussed.

Surface chemistry and photoluminescence of small metal nanoparticles

248th National Meeting (2014)

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