Dynamics in bimetallic nanoparticle supercrystals (A08*)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 510943930

Ordered optically active, plasmonic metal nanoparticle arrays focus light into the gaps between the nanoparticles. Catalytic metal nanoparticles integrated into such ordered structures constitute a new material platform for photocatalysis where optically passive catalysts can be photo-activated in the strong local fields. The detailed mechanism is not resolved yet. To address the catalyst activation process, the project will systematically investigate bi-metallic nanoparticle arrays. The combination of time-resolved optical and catalytic experiments with varying photon energy and photon density will then determine the relevant parameters for the activation of the catalysts within the structures.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1636: Elementary Processes of Light-Driven Reactions at Nanoscale Metals
• Applicant Institution: Universität Potsdam
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Holger Lange