Effect of Plasmonic Au and Ag/Au Nanoparticles and Sodium Citrate on the Optical Properties of Chitin-Based Photonic Nanoarchitectures in Butterfly Wing Scales

Porous butterfly wings with hierarchically organized structures from nanometer to centimeter scales were tested as substrates for carrying plasmonic Au and Ag/Au nanoparticles potential application in photocatalysis. Wings exhibiting structural color generated by chitin-air nanocomposites used. Hundreds of species possess these types color-generating photonic nanoarchitectures, producing a similar mechanism manmade crystals. Artificial crystals are known enhance photocatalytic processes through the slow light effect. The impact pure water, water-based sodium citrate solution, alloy on optical properties natural separated. While water aqueous solutions change wing reflectance alteration scale position respect plane, form new, hybrid nanostructure chitin nanoarchitecture modifying wings. new nanoarchitectures (consisting nanoparticles) different those components.