Thin Functional Zeolite Layer Supported on Infrared Resonant Nano-Antennas for the Detection of Benzene Traces

Infrared absorption spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool that enables the identification of molecular species. The sensitivity of this technique, that is strongly limited by the small absorption cross-section of molecular vibration, can be greatly improved by resonant interaction with nano-antennas via the surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) mechanism. However, most of the examples of SEIRA concern solid-state molecular layers adsorbed on the nano-antennas, while the detection of gas traces still remains elusive due to the spatial extent of the near-field that is used to amplify the molecular vibrations resonantly. Here, a hybrid system composed of a plasmonic nano-antenna array coupled with nanosized zeolite coating for detection of volatile organic compounds in the near field of the resonators is demonstrated. The concerted action of the coating and the nano-antennas enabled the authors to detect record traces of benzene (25 ppb) within 10 min. This approach may ultimately allow the fabrication of a compact system for rapid detection of pharmaceutical and biocompounds with high sensitivity and high selectivity.     

Boosting Plant Photosynthesis with Carbon Dots: A Critical Review of Performance and Prospects

Artificially augmented photosynthesis in nano-bionic plants requires tunable nano-antenna structures with physiochemical and optoelectronic properties, as well as unique light conversion capabilities. The use of nanomaterials to promote light capture across photosystems, primarily by carbon dots, has shown promising results in enhancing photosynthesis through tunable uptake, translocation, and biocompatibility. Carbon dots possess the ability to perform both down and up-light conversions, making them effective light promoters for harnessing solar energy beyond visible light wavelengths.This review presents and discusses the recent progress in fabrication, chemistry, and morphology, as well as other properties such as photoluminescence and energy conversion efficiency of nano-antennas based on carbon dots. The performance of artificially boosted photosynthesis is discussed and then correlated with the conversion properties of carbon dots and how they are applied to plant models. The challenges related to the nanomaterial delivery and the performance evaluation practices in modified photosystems, consideration of the reliability of this approach, and the potential avenues for performance improvements through other types of nano-antennas based on alternative nanomaterials are also critically evaluated. It is anticipated that this review will stimulate more high-quality research in plant nano-bionics and provide avenues to enhance photosynthesis for future agricultural applications.     

单向纳米天线高效激发条状表面等离子体波导

提出了一种结构简单并且利用非对称纳米天线激发条状表面等离子体波导模式的微结构。通过纳米天线的非对称性产生的单向激发效应来实现条状表面等离子体波导模式的高效激发,利用数值模拟软件COMSOL对该结构进行了数值模拟仿真。模拟结果显示,所设计的结构可以高效地将入射远场光转化为条状表面等离子体波导模式,并且激发效率可以达到13.35%。