From 0-dimension to 1-dimensions: Au nanocrystals as versatile plasmonic photocatalyst for broadband light induced RAFT polymerization

Gold (Au) nanocrystals were recognized to be a remarkable photocatalyst because of their strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Here Au nanocrystals were exploited as plasmonic photocatalysts for photo-regulated reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In addition to the well-controlled RAFT polymerization process under a broadband of light (from visible to the near-infrared region), the dimension (0-D nanospheres and 1-D nanorods) and aspect ratio (length/width) of the nanocrystals exhibited a remarkable effect on the polymerization rate under different light sources. The reduction of plasmon damping leads to a relatively long-lived region of high electron density on the surface of the Au nanorods, which can accelerate charge transfer and induce a higher polymerization rate. Moreover, the aspect ratio related to the longitudinal absorption band of the Au nanorods may provide more flexible choices for advanced macromolecular photosynthesis for potential in biomedical and industrial applications.