Plasmonic nanomaterials can be employed in a wide range of applications, including, among others, sensors, diagnostic platforms, and optical devices. One of the most important properties of these nanomaterials is their ability to generate hot spots upon interaction with impinging radiation. At these locations the scattered electric field reaches its highest levels and energetic hot electrons can be generated and extracted. The enhancement of the scattered electric field is a fundamental process at the basis, for instance, of surface enhanced Raman scattering and surface enhanced fluorescence effects, while the generated hot electrons are implied in several technologies, among which photocatalysis. To fully benefit from these phenomena, however, it is fundamental to establish and realize very specific materials design rules, which hinge, in particular, on morphology modulation and interface engineering.

In my talk I will discuss how we have approached hot spot optimization by devising novel colloidal methods for the synthesis of plasmonic nanostructures and by studying in detail the interfacial properties of these nanostructures in various environments. I will report on how we have holistically integrated computational and experimental approaches to understand the properties of the systems under exam and will present a few case studies in which fundamental discoveries have led to real applicability.