Topics in Particle and Dispersion Science

Optical properties of metal nanoparticles, for example, the surface plasmon resonance spectra, depend on the nanoparticle shape and size (see nanoparticle, shape effects). In particular, the sensitivity of these spectra to the refractive index of the of surroundings of gold nanoparticles with sharp-edged, pointed shapes such as the nanobranches/nanostars (far left) and bipyramids (left), is significantly greater than for gold nanoparticles with rounded shapes and comparable sizes (for example, Chen HJ et al 2008). Both images (edited by J. Jonasz) are shown in false color.