RESUMEN
Micro/nanomachines (MNMs) correspond to human-made devices with motion in aqueous solutions. There are different routes for powering these devices. Light-driven MNMs are gaining increasing attention as fuel-free devices. On the other hand, Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) and their photocatalytic activity have shown great potential for photochemistry reactions. Here we review several photocatalyst nanosystems, with a special emphasis in Plasmon induced photocatalytic reactions, as a novel proposal to be explored by the MNMs community in order to extend the light-driven motion of MNMs harnessing the visible and near-infrared (NIR) light spectrum.
RESUMEN
Plasmonic reversible gas sensors are of paramount importance for the monitoring of indoor environments. Herein, we design and engineer a plasmonic foam, with a high surface area, confined inside a capillary glass tube for the live monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) in closed environments using surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering. The illumination of the sensor with light during the flow of air allows the live monitoring of the concentration of atmospheric CO through surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering. The sensor was prepared with a detection range from 10 to 40 ppm, due to health needs. The results show a sensitive, selective, reversible and robust sensor applicable to the monitoring of CO levels but also to other gas species upon appropriate functionalization.