Some interesting properties of metals confined in time and nanometer space of different shapes

TitleSome interesting properties of metals confined in time and nanometer space of different shapes
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsEL-Sayed, MA
JournalAccounts of Chemical Research
Volume34
Pagination257-264
Date PublishedApr
ISBN Number0001-4842
Accession NumberWOS:000168254500001
Abstract

The properties of a material depend on the type of motion its electrons can execute, which depends on the space available for them (i.e., on the degree of their spatial confinement). Thus, the properties of each material are characterized by a specific length scale, usually on the nanometer dimension. If the physical size of the material is reduced below this length scale, its properties change and become sensitive to its size and shape. In this Account we describe some of the observed new chemical, optical, and thermal properties of metallic nanocrystals when their size is confined to the nanometer length scale and their dynamical processes are observed on the femto- to picosecond time scale.

DOI10.1021/ar960016n