Stable Au–Ag nanoframes based on Au nanorods: construction and plasmon-enhanced catalytic performance†

Nobel metal nanostructures have been widely studied owing to their excellent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects. In order to regulate the SPR properties and applications of noble metal nanostructures, it is critical to accurately control their morphology and composition. Gold nanorods (Au NRs) have become a research hotpot because of their anisotropic shape and tunable plasmonic properties. By designing various heterostructures and assemblies composed of Au NRs, improvements in their SPR effects and further applications can be achieved. In this study, Au NR@Au–Ag nanoframes were prepared based on Au NRs via a sacrificial template method. The combination of metal nanostructures and open nanostructures not only maintained the characteristics of each component, but also showed synergistic effects, enhancing the performance of the composite nanostructures. Experimental results showed that the nanostructures exhibited tunable SPR properties, excellent structural stability and good catalytic activity. Furthermore, a plasmon-induced electromagnetic field enhancement effect greatly enhanced the catalytic activity of the nanostructures. This work provides new ideas and approaches for the design and development of highly active nanocatalysts.