All-optical observations of electrochemical reactions within Au-YSZ nanocomposite films

PHYS 453

Michael Carpenter, MCarpenter@uamail.albany.edu, Phillip H. Rogers, progers@uamail.albany.edu, and George Sirinakis. College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12203
The detection of emission gases under harsh environments utilizing the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of Au nanoparticles embedded in yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin films is detailed as a novel alternative sensing technique. The Au nanoparticle SPR band was monitored in both oxidizing and reducing environments at a 500°C operating temperature. An electrochemical reaction mechanism involving interfacial charge transfer reactions which remove or donate electrons to the Au nanoparticle causes a red or a blue shift respectively of the SPR band. Detailed H2/O2 and NO2/O2 titration experiments indicate that the shift in the SPR band agrees with theoretical predictions of the peak position dependence on the Au nanoparticle quasi-free electron density. While O2 concentrations above 10vol.% in N2 saturates the SPR band red shift, an NO2 detection limit of 5ppm in an air carrier gas is demonstrated, indicating the unique presence of multiple reaction sites within the YSZ matrix.
 

PHYS Poster Session - Nanostructured Materials and Nanophotonics
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Physical Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008