Au TiO2 Core Shell Nanoparticles (Gold/Titanium Oxide, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Metal Core/Metal Shell)

Au TiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Introduction to Au TiO₂ Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Au TiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles are a class of nanomaterials that combine the properties of gold (Au) as the core with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as the shell. This core-shell structure takes advantage of the unique optical, catalytic, and electronic properties of gold, while simultaneously benefiting from the high stability, photocatalytic activity, and biocompatibility of titanium dioxide. The combination of these materials results in nanoparticles that exhibit superior performance in various applications across fields like catalysis, sensing, energy conversion, and biomedicine.

Properties Au/TiO₂ Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Plasmonic Properties (Gold Core):

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): Gold nanoparticles exhibit strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which leads to enhanced electromagnetic fields at the nanoparticle surface. This makes Au/TiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles useful in optical sensing, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and biosensing applications.

Optical Tunability: The SPR properties of gold can be tuned by controlling the size, shape, and environment of the nanoparticles, which influences their ability to absorb and scatter light. The TiO₂ shell can also affect these properties by altering the local electromagnetic field.

Photocatalytic Properties (TiO₂ Shell):

Photocatalysis: TiO₂ is well known for its photocatalytic activity, which can be harnessed in the presence of light to degrade organic pollutants, produce hydrogen, or generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The TiO₂ shell in Au/TiO₂ core-shell nanoparticles provides enhanced photocatalytic performance due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet light and facilitate charge separation.

Photothermal Properties: When exposed to light, gold nanoparticles can generate localized heat due to SPR, which can assist in photothermal therapy when combined with TiO₂’s photocatalytic behavior.

Chemical and Thermal Stability:

The TiO₂ shell offers chemical stability, especially against oxidation, which protects the gold core from environmental degradation. The gold core enhances the overall thermal stability of the nanoparticles, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.

Biocompatibility and Functionalization:

Gold is biocompatible, and TiO₂ has excellent compatibility with biological systems. The surface of the TiO₂ shell can be functionalized with various molecules (e.g., antibodies, drugs, dyes) to enhance selectivity for targeted delivery, imaging, or biosensing.