Titania-coated metal nanostructures

Abstract

The synergistic effect between metal and TiO 2 nanoparticles brings about new, enhanced functionalities for a myriad of applications, ranging from labeling and sensing to catalysis and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Although extensive work has been done in the preparation of concentric TiO 2-coated metal nanostructures, current methods for the synthesis of noncentrosymmetric morphologies are still very limited. This Focus review summarizes the various methods used to prepare TiO 2-coated metal nanostructures, with a particular emphasis on noncentrosymmetric morphologies, their novel plasmonic properties, and their promising applications in the fields of catalysis and photocatalysis. Clash of the Titans: The synergistic coupling of metal and TiO 2 nanoparticles brings about new, improved functionalities for a myriad of applications. This Focus review seeks to survey the various methods used to prepare TiO 2-coated metal nanostructures, with a particular emphasis on noncentrosymmetric morphologies. In addition, the novel plasmonic and optical properties of such nanostructures, leading to promising applications in the fields of catalysis and photocatalysis, are discussed. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.