Evaluation of Optical Properties of Ag, Cu, and Co Nanoparticles Synthesized in Organic Medium

The surface plasmon resonance evaluation of colloidal metal nanoparticles, synthesized in organic medium, is reported in this work. Metal salts were dissolved in dioxane/AOT solution and reduced by hydrazine hydrate under vigorous stirring. Optical properties of obtained colloidal nanoparticles were investigated by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Theoretical predictions of optical properties of metal nanoparticles were made by means of the Mie theory and the Drude free-electron model. Geometrical parameters and distribution of metal nanoparticles in colloidal solutions were characterized by atomic force microscopy. The results show that Ag, Cu, and Co nanoparticles, synthesized in organic medium distinguish plasmonic properties. Surface plasmon resonance bands were obtained in all cases: Ag - at 430 nm, Cu - at 570 nm, Co - at 350 nm (SPR1) and 430 nm (SPR2). Comparing theoretical evaluation of nanoparticles size with atomic force microscopy analysis, we can assume that our calculations are accurate. It was found that dominating nanoparticles diameter in Ag colloidal solution is ≈ 150 nm, in Cu colloidal solution is ≈ 70 - 80 nm and in Co colloidal solution is ≈ 150 nm. It can be concluded that nanoparticles with enhanced plasmonic properties synthesized in organic medium can be widely used in order to increase efficiency of various optical elements.