Impact of MoS ₂ supporting interface on the photothermal-induced deformation of gold nanoshells: tracked through an optical microfiber

Abstract Exploring the photothermal-induced deformation dynamic and mechanism of nanohybrids is of fundamental importance for smart material design and processing at the nanoscale. Here, an optical microfiber interferometer is employed to explore the impact of MoS ₂ supporting interface on the photothermal-induced deformation of gold nanoshells. Upon analyzing the optical spectra recorded by the microfiber and transmission electron microscopy images, it appears that the MoS ₂ supporting interface enhances the photothermal effect of the gold nanostructures and confines the electric field oscillation to the nanoshells. Thus, the shape and size evolution of the gold nanoshells are greatly affected by the presence of MoS ₂ supporting interface. The facile photothermal-induced transformation of the gold nanoshell-MoS ₂ nanohybrids indicates their technological applications, including catalysis and electronic/optical devices. Furthermore, this transformation process was monitored by an optical microfiber through its evanescent field. This demonstrates the feasibility of using optical fibers to study the inner mechanisms of material transitions in situ , providing a fundamental basis for smart material development at the nanoscale.