Synthesis and Photothermal Application of Plasmonic Transition Metal Carbide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Plasmonic nanomaterials have an exceptionally efficient light-matter interaction known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This drives various light harnessing interactions, which have been explored for biological sensing, photovoltaics, and cancer therapy, among others. This project focuses on developing a unique class of plasmonic materials, known as transition metal carbide nanoparticles. These have been proposed as promising solar absorbing plasmonic materials based on their low cost and stability. This thesis introduces the synthetic strategy used to synthesize carbide nanoparticles, alongside their thorough characterization. Methods of tuning the reaction are explored ultimately for the use of the plasmonic carbides towards solar driven desalination.