Metallikuoressa

Metallikuoressa is a Finnish term that describes an object or material that is encased in a metallic shell. In materials science and nanotechnology, it refers to core–shell structures in which a core material is coated with a layer of metal. The metallic shell can modify mechanical, chemical, optical, and electronic properties of the composite, and the resulting behavior depends on the core material, the chosen metal, and the thickness of the shell.

Common implementations include dielectric or polymer cores coated with noble metals such as gold or silver, as well as other metals like platinum or nickel. Fabrication methods include chemical deposition, electrochemical plating, and seed-mediated growth, often performed on pre-formed cores such as silica spheres or polymer beads. The shell size and conformity influence plasmonic resonances, catalytic accessibility, and protective capabilities; thicker shells generally provide greater protection but can reduce core-derived functionality.

Applications are found in catalysis, sensing, biomedicine, and coatings. In plasmonics, metal shells around dielectric cores form nanoshells with tunable optical properties. In catalysis and sensing, thin metallic shells can act as active sites or conductive barriers. In biomedicine, metallic shells enable photothermal therapy and enhanced imaging. In coatings, metal shells improve hardness and corrosion resistance.

Etymology: metallikuoressa means "in a metallic shell" in Finnish, combining metall (metal) with kuori (shell) and the locative suffix -ssa. It is a descriptive term rather than a product name, used to denote the structural motif of a core surrounded by metal.