The plasmon band in noble metal nanoparticles: an introduction to theory and applications

Noble metal nanoparticles chemistry is a domain in rapid expansion, as those objects lead to interesting applications in the fields of catalysis, biosensing, electronics and optics. Because of their structure, intermediate between that of molecules and of bulk material, they enable to bridge the gap between molecular chemistry and surface science. In particular, their optical properties, known since antiquity, have already shown a part of their potential and further major discoveries can reasonably be expected. Their most insightful optical properties rely on a strong absorption in the visible spectrum, called the plasmon band, that colloidal solutions of gold, silver or copper feature. Herein we wish to present a comprehensible overview of the fundamentals of the theories explaining the phenomenon dedicated to chemists seeking an introduction to those features. We will also give a brief review of the recently published body of relevant literature with reference to the aforementioned theory.