Plasmon excitation and electrochromism of metal oxide nanoparticles

Tuning the electromagnetic (EM) properties of materials is a long standing
quest for materials scientists. In this project, we focus on doped metal oxide
nanocrystals bearing localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) as
versatile compounds for the design of electrochromic devices with
independent management of light and heat supplies in buildings. In
particular, we will explore, at the fundamental level, how the surface
plasmon excitations of mixed molybdenum and tungsten oxide nanocrystals
depend on the doping density and atomic configuration. To achieve this
goal, a collaborative effort on the synthesis route, on the structural and
optical characterizations at the single particle level and on macroscopic thin
films will be carried out in combination with numerical simulations. In-situ
monitoring of the oxide nanocrystals growth during hydro/solvothermal
processes will notably allow for a methodical investigation of the effect of
the synthesis conditions on the nanocrystals size, shape, composition and
surface chemistry. The correlation with the optical properties and their
tunability is planned by means of optical and electronic microscopies and
spectroscopies, including subnanometer electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Simulations of the structural and optical properties of the oxide nanocrystals
will be performed in synergy with the synthesis and characterization efforts.
Finally, the electrochromic response of thin films made of the oxide
nanocrystals will also be analyzed by both simulations and experimental
characterizations (including operando UV-VIS-NIR spectrometry and XRD),
and correlated with the individual particle responses.