Spectroelectrochemical studies of plasmon coupled silver nanoparticles

The effect of the applied potential on the cooperative plasmon mode in 2D coupled arrays of silver nanoparticles was studied using a spectroelectrochemical approach in different electrolytes. The particles had an average diameter of 80 nm and were adsorbed on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates modified with poly-4-vinyl pyridine (PVP). Spectral changes were observed and presented as difference spectra measured between applied potentials and the potential of zero charge (pzc) for silver. The changes were interpreted as potential-induced changes of the local dielectric environment around the nanoparticles due to reorganization of the electric double layer.