Nanoparticles Make it Easier to Turn Light into Solvated Electrons

January 17, 2023 • by Marc Airhart

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An illustration shows an electron that has been ejected from a surface studded with round metal nanoparticles

When scientists shine low-intensity near-ultraviolet light on metal nanoparticles, electrons in the nanoparticles oscillate. This oscillation, referred to as a plasmon, can give the electrons enough energy to emit into the surrounding solution. Credit: Rice University.


A surface is covered in small spherical features

An electrode coated with 95 nm silver nanoparticles. Credit: Rice University.

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Illustration shows how atom-thin materials enable control of individual photons of light

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