Doped metal oxide nanocrystals that exhibit tunable localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) represent an intriguing class of nanomaterials that show promise for a variety of applications from spectroscopy to sensing. While previous synthetic methods for these materials have shown control over some nanocrystal plasmonic properties, fundamental questions remain regarding the effects of radial dopant position on the LSPR. Here, using tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) as a model system we show that a multi-stage, living growth synthesis allows angstrom-level control over nanocrystal growth and that we can use this approach to synthesize well-defined core/shell doped/undoped nanocrystals. From this level of synthetic control we illustrate that: 1) core/shell nanocrystal architectures can be tailored simply by adding precursor materials in the desired order, without core sample purification, 2) LSPR energies, dopant activations, as well as LSPR quality factors are highly dependent upon radial dopant distribution, 3) core/shell compositions beyond indium oxide can be used for the tuning of plasmonic properties. The experimental approach illustrated in this work highlights a new strategy in designing nanomaterials with tailored optical properties to aid in new materials discovery, displays angstrom-level precision for the investigation of structure/property relationships on the nanoscale, and presents new opportunities for fundamental studies on LSPR excitations. This approach could be applied to a wide scope of inorganic nanomaterials, will enhance the understanding of dopant-induced properties of nanocrystals, and ultimately will open new avenues of nanocrystal design for the broader scientific community.

Tuning localized surface plasmon resonances in Sn-doped In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> through radial distribution of dopant atoms and core/shell architectures

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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Tuning localized surface plasmon resonances in Sn-doped In2O3 through radial distribution of dopant atoms and core/shell architectures

Tuning localized surface plasmon resonances in Sn-doped In₂O₃ through radial distribution of dopant atoms and core/shell architectures