NanoUV-VIS: an interactive visualization tool for monitoring the evolution of optical properties of nanoparticles throughout synthesis reactions

Published

September 20, 2017

Author(s)

Bryan Calderon Jimenez, Gabriel Sarmanho, Karen E. Murphy, Antonio R. Montoro Bustos, Jose R. Vega Baudrit

Abstract

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are being used for a broad array of high technology applications including sensing, imaging, targeted drug delivery, bio-diagnostics, catalysis, optoelectronics and film growth seeding. The enhanced optical, electrical and catalytic properties of metal NPs are strongly correlated with their size, shape, and structure. As such, physicochemical characterization of NPs is critically important to ensure their effective use and applicability. In this context, Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy (UV/VIS) is one of the most widely used methods for measuring the optical properties and electronic structures of NPs. UV/VIS absorption bands are related to important properties such as the diameter, shape, and polydispersity of metallic and semi- conducting NPs. Thus, this analytical technique is used during NP synthesis to monitor NP formation, assess suspension stability under different conditions and media, and to establish the optical properties of the newly formed nanomaterials. In view of the extensive use of UV/VIS for NP characterization and monitoring of NP formation during synthesis reactions, we have developed NanoUV-VIS, an interactive web application designed for the analysis of multiple UV-VIS absorbance spectra measured as a function of time. Graphical visualizations of the data in 2 dimensions (spectrum plot, contour plot) and 3 dimensions (surface plot) are created by this tool. In addition, the NanoUV-VIS tool evaluates and estimates important parameters related to the absorption bands of NPs, including, maximum optical absorbance, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peak and the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the UV/VIS spectra. This information is available to download as a table in the software, as well as in the form of interactive plots, where the scientist can compare the behavior of these parameters in order to better interpret the outcomes of the experiment.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

122

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

2D spectrum, 3D spectrum, Full Width at Half Maximum, maximum optical absorbance, nanoparticles, Surface Plasmon Resonance Peak, Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy.

Citation

Calderon, B. , Sarmanho, G. , Murphy, K. , Montoro, A. and Vega, J. (2017), NanoUV-VIS: an interactive visualization tool for monitoring the evolution of optical properties of nanoparticles throughout synthesis reactions, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.122.037 (Accessed April 18, 2024)