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Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 (3126 views)

Gold nanoparticles have been used in the development of a new measurement technology that could open the door to more effective and efficient catalysts.

A team led by PhD students Elin Larsson and Christoph Langhammer at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden discovered that by using the optical resonance of nanoparticles, known as plasmon resonances, they could develop a ultrasensitive tool for measuring reactions on catalysts.

The plasmon resonance of a gold nanoparticle is exited with light, so the particle appears to have a colour. If there is change in the molecules absorbed onto the catalyst, a nanoparticle will sense this and change colour.

According to the researchers, this will allow scientists to study catalysts in real time under realistic conditions, allowing them to develop their knowledge of catalytic processes and aiding the development of more efficient models.

The sensors could also have potential uses in areas such as medical diagnostics.

 

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