Enlightening surface plasmon resonance effect of metal nanoparticles for practical spectroscopic application

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is the manifestation of a resonance effect due to the interaction of conduction electrons of metal nanoparticles with incident photons. The interaction relies on the size and shape of the metal nanoparticles and on the nature and composition of the dispersion medium. By understanding the mechanistic aspects of the interaction of altered nanoparticle morphologies together with the associated medium effect, a new technology has been developed for careful spectroscopic monitoring. Each change can be followed by various spectroscopic techniques, which lead to sensing applications and imaging events. From successful SPR band monitoring through spectroscopy, new optoelectronic technology and sensors, including color sensors and sensor devices, have been developed. In this review, we discuss the important role of SPR and its efficacy to heighten practical spectroscopic applications.