Why do Nanomaterials Exhibit Unique Optical Properties?
Nanomaterials exhibit unique optical properties because of the quantum confinement effect, which occurs when the dimensions of the material are smaller than the wavelength of light. This results in discrete energy levels and alters how electrons interact with photons. For instance, nanoparticles can exhibit a phenomenon known as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), where conduction electrons on the particle's surface oscillate in resonance with incident light, enhancing absorption and scattering.
