Abstract: A sensor for detecting of an analyte in a solution phase comprises a plurality of functionalised silver nanoplates wherein a functionalising agent is directly bonded to the surfaces of the nanoplates. The nanoplates provide a detectable wavelength shift change in their local surface plasmon resonance spectrum in response to the binding of an analyte. Two or more of the nanoplates may be electromagnetically coupled.

Abstract: A method for creating an organically capped Group IV semiconductor nanoparticle is disclosed. The method includes flowing a Group IV semiconductor precursor gas into a chamber. The method also includes generating a set of Group IV semiconductor precursor radical species from the Group IV semiconductor precursor gas with a laser pyrolysis apparatus, wherein the set of the Group IV semiconductor precursor radical species nucleate to form the Group IV semiconductor nanoparticle; and flowing an organic capping agent precursor gas into the chamber. The method further includes generating a set of organic capping agent radical species from the organic capping agent precursor gas, wherein the set of organic capping agent radical species reacts with a surface of the Group IV semiconductor nanoparticle and forms the organically capped Group IV semiconductor nanoparticle.