Nanoplasmonic Probes of Catalytic Reactions
Elin M. Larsson,*
Christoph Langhammer,
Igor Zori
,
Bengt Kasemo
Optical probes of heterogeneous catalytic reactions can be valuable
tools for optimization and process control because they can
operate under realistic conditions, but often probes lack sensitivity.
We have developed a plasmonic sensing method for such reactions
based on arrays of nanofabricated gold disks, covered by a thin
(~10 nanometer) coating (catalyst support) on which the catalyst
nanoparticles are deposited. The sensing particles monitor changes
in surface coverage of reactants during catalytic reaction through
peak shifts in the optical extinction spectrum. Sensitivities
to below 10
–3 monolayers are estimated. The capacity of
the method is demonstrated for three catalytic reactions, CO
and H
2 oxidation on Pt, and NO
x conversion to N
2 on Pt/BaO.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: elarsson{at}chalmers.se
