Au@SnO2 Core-Shell Nanocapacitors

Abstract

The reproducible synthesis of metal–semiconductor core–shell nanoparticles consisting of 15 nm gold colloids homogeneously coated with a 10 nm layer of SnO2 is reported (see Figure). The surface plasmon band is drastically red-shifted from 521 to 542 nm. These materials display a high electrical capacitance and slow discharge rates in solution, indicating potential applications as electro-optical switches, supercapacitors, and redox catalysts.