Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are widely investigated for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing, yet their application is often limited by the compromise between colloidal stability and near-field accessibility. In this work, we propose a mixed-ligand grafting strategy to engineer the surface of gold nanorods and balance these two parameters. Functionalization with a high L-cysteine (L-Cys)-to-PEG 10k feed ratio was employed to ensure nanoparticle stability while limiting distance-induced attenuation of the plasmonic near field. The ability of the functionalized gold nanorods to respond to changes in their local dielectric environment was evidenced using graphene oxide (GO) as a surrounding medium through a measurable shift in the LSPR peak position. Importantly, this approach differs from conventional AuNRs–GO composites by relying on the adsorption of small monolayer GO sheets onto gold nanorods rather than the deposition of gold nanorods onto large graphene oxide substrates. • Mixed ligands tune gold nanorod surface chemistry and plasmonic response. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals heterogeneous gold surface grafting. • Graphene oxide adsorption on functionalized gold nanorods modifies plasmonic response.
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
OpenAlex ID: W7222873660