The field of plasmonics has the potential to enable unique applications in the different wavelength ranges, from the ultraviolet to the visible and the infrared. The choice of plasmonic material and how this material is nanostructured have significant implications for the ultimate performance of any plasmonic device. Nanoporous metals (NPMs) (such as Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Mg, and Pt) have intriguing material properties that offer potential benefits for many applications due to their high specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, and reduced stiffness. The research on nanoporous metals has taken place on various fronts, including advanced microfabrication and characterization techniques to probe unusual nanoscale properties and applications spanning from fuel cells to electrochemical sensors. Here we report a short review of the available nanoporous materials, looking in particular at their properties as plasmonic materials.
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