Novel Synthesis and Characterization of Magneto-Plasmonic Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Advancements in numerous technologies including chemical sensing are spurring progress in the development of novel composite nanostructures that integrate magnetic and plasmonic materials. These nanostructures exhibit a unique amalgamation of plasmonic and magnetic properties, positioning them at the forefront of scientific research. The magnetic properties facilitate precise control and manipulation of the nanoparticles in the presence of magnetic fields. Furthermore, materials with plasmonic activity, such as gold, offer outstanding biocompatibility, along with exceptional optical features that include enhanced scattering and high sensitivity to changes in refractive index. The aim of this research is to analyze and describe core-shell nanoparticles (CS-NPs) comprising a magnetite core enveloped by a gold shell (Fe@Au CS-NPs). These nanoparticles are synthesized through a novel method that integrates established wet lab synthesis techniques under ambient conditions. A comprehensive characterization approach was employed. Electron microscopy techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were utilized to examine and analyze the structure and surface morphology of the investigated materials. Additionally, analytical techniques including Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to investigate the chemical composition of the samples and the presence of surface ligands. Furthermore, computational methods including finite difference time domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) modeling were applied to confirm the plasmonic properties of the composite materials. Calculated optical properties of light absorption and scattering cross-sections were compared with experimental characterization data obtained via techniques including UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and darkfield scattering microspectroscopy. By employing these extensive characterization methods, the research aims to obtain valuable insights into the composition and properties of the materials under investigation. These insights will serve as a foundation for the development of sensing technology for water quality monitoring.