Speaker
Description
Plasmonic nanoparticles can harness light and convert it into heat, charges, and localized electromagnetic fields, offering powerful pathways for sustainable chemistry. To unlock this potential, in my group we first establish quantitative correlations between nanoparticle structure and properties at the single-particle level, using advanced spectroscopic and electron microscopy workflows. In my talk, I will share key insights from these correlations and the workflows we developed. Building on these foundations, I will show how in situ TEM with light excitation allows us to directly monitor time-resolved atomic motion and structural dynamics, providing unprecedented insight into how light reshapes matter at the nanoscale. These insights not only deepen our fundamental understanding but also open routes to designing light-programmable catalysts and reactors with enhanced efficiency and selectivity.