Recent developments in metal-based plasmonic nanomaterials

Since the 2005 issue on “Synthesis and Plasmonic Properties of Nanostructures” in MRS Bulletin, significant progress has been made with respect to the synthesis, structure–property relationship, and application of plasmonic nanomaterials. With a number of selected examples, here we provide a brief account of recent demonstrations and developments. We start with three syntheses to highlight the precision and power of chemical methods in fabricating plasmonic nanomaterials with diverse, well-defined, and controllable sizes, shapes, morphologies, and structures. We then showcase some innovative applications based upon plasmonic nanomaterials, including self-assembly, plasmonic catalysis, touch-screen display, metamaterial engineering, and photothermal heating for water evaporation. Finally, we offer some perspectives on the existing challenges and opportunities in pushing plasmonic nanomaterials to the next level of success.