In situ SERS monitoring of photochemistry within a nanojunction reactor

Nano Lett. 2013;13(12):5985-90. doi: 10.1021/nl403164c. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

We demonstrate a powerful SERS-nanoreactor concept composed of self-assembled gold nanoparticles (AuNP) linked by the sub-nm macrocycle cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]). The CB[n] functions simultaneously as a nanoscale reaction vessel, sequestering and templating a photoreaction within, and also as a powerful SERS-transducer through the large field enhancements generated within the nanojunctions that CB[n]s define. Through the enhanced Raman fingerprint, the real-time SERS-monitoring of a prototypical stilbene photoreaction is demonstrated. By choosing the appropriate CB[n] nanoreactor, selective photoisomerism or photodimerization is monitored in situ from within the AuNP-CB[n] nanogap.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bridged-Ring Compounds / chemistry
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Photochemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Bridged-Ring Compounds
  • Imidazoles
  • cucurbit(10)uril
  • Gold