Synthesis and plasmonic tuning of gold and gold–silver nanoparticles

Plasmonic particles represent a rapidly developing material for nanotechnology. They are used in biomedicine as sensoric, diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Most theranostic applications exploit the unique optical properties of gold or hybrid nanoparticles in which visible or near-infrared light excites localized plasmon resonances. The review discusses the latest advances in the synthesis of the most popular and sought-after nanoparticles such as gold nanospheres, nanorods, nanoshells, nanocages and nanostars and also gold–silver nanorods and nanocuboids. The consideration is focused on the design principles of particle size, shape and structure, which provides for desired tuning of optical properties such as plasmon resonance wavelength and absorption and scattering cross-sections. The optimal parameters of the particles for the use in the photothermal and photodynamic therapy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and catalysis are discussed.
The bibliography includes 294 references.