Efficiency enhancements in Ag nanoparticles-SiO2-TiO2 sandwiched structure via plasmonic effect-enhanced light capturing

Abstract

TiO2-SiO2-Ag composites are fabricated by depositing TiO2 films on silica substrates embedded with Ag nanoparticles. Enhancement of light absorption of the nanostructural composites is observed. The light absorption enhancement of the synthesized structure in comparison to TiO2 originated from the near-field enhancement caused by the plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles, which can be demonstrated by the optical absorption spectra, Raman scattering investigation, and the increase of the photocatalytic activity. The embedded Ag nanoparticles are formed by ion implantation, which effectively prevents Ag to be oxidized through direct contact with TiO2. The suggested incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures shows a great potential application in a highly efficient photocatalyst and ultra-thin solar cell.

Size-dependence of plasmonic Au nanoparticles in photocatalytic behavior of Au/TiO 2 and Au@SiO 2 /TiO 2

“…That is, as the size of the metal NP increases up to several tens of nanometers, the induced electric field in the vicinity of the NP increases remarkably [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47].…”

Facile synthesis of heterostructured Ag-deposited SiO 2 @TiO 2 composite spheres with enhanced catalytic activity towards the photodegradation of AB 1 dye

“…This could increase the UV light absorption facilitating the excitation of electron-hole pairs in the TiO 2 . In other words, the Ag nanoparticles helped suppress the regeneration of the electron-hole pairs and thus increased the photoelectric conversion efficiency [22]. The electric field intensity of the LSPR depends on the distance between the Ag nanoparticles deposited on the SiO 2 @TiO 2 composite spheres.…”

Plasmonic metal decorated titanium dioxide thin films for enhanced photodegradation of organic contaminants

“…Several ways have been used to extend its absorption into the visible region which makes about 50% of the total solar radiation available and these include noble metal loading (plasmonic elements), ion doping, anion doping, dye sensitization and the use of composite semiconductors. The introduction of metallic nanostructures such as gold and silver into a semiconductor film to enhance photocatalytic activity by strong plasmonic effects has received attention recently [7]. The plasmonic elements increase the light absorption to boost the excitation of electrons in TiO2 resulting in increased photoelectric conversion efficiency.…”