Size-Dependent Electron-Electron Interactions in Metal Nanoparticles

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Abstract
The internal thermalization dynamics of the conduction electrons is investigated in silver nanoparticles with radius ranging from 13 to 1.6 nm using a femtosecond IR pump–UV probe absorption saturation technique. A sharp increase of the electron energy exchange rate is demonstrated for nanoparticles smaller than 5 nm. The results are consistent with electron-electron scattering acceleration due to surface induced reduction of the Coulomb interaction screening by the conduction and core electrons.