Dynamics of Electron–Phonon Coupling in Bicontinuous Nanoporous Gold

Abstract

The nanosize effect on electron–phonon interactions in free-electron noble metals has been a subject of intense discussion because of their important applications in physics, chemistry, and biomedicine. However, the interference from supports of dispersive nanoparticulate metals has led to controversial observations. We utilize freestanding, bicontinuous nanoporous gold (NPG) films to investigate electron–phonon interaction dynamics using ultrafast MeV electron diffraction. Compared to solid gold films, NPG shows faster electron–phonon interaction and thus noticeably higher electron–phonon coupling constant. The results demonstrate that surface states of electrons and phonons play an important role in electron–phonon coupling of nanostructured materials.