Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance with plasmon-induced hot electron injection of gold nanoparticle

Abstract

Due to the capacity of efficiently harvesting and converting light energy, the property of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the noble metal is employed as an efficient assistant in photoelectrochemical water splitting. In this study, the Au nanoparticles (NPs) were modified on the 1D ordered structure as the active sites of the SPR effect for the plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic performance. A maximum current density of 4.45 mA cm −2 at 1.2 V (versus RHE) was obtained in alkaline solution without a sacrificial agent for the ZnO-CdS-Au photoelectrode, which was 1.48 times higher than that of the ZnO-CdS nanorods without Au decoration, as well as the ~235% enhancement of the photoconversion efficiency. Compared to similar nanostructures previously reported, the present superior photoactivity response was ascribed to the injection process of the energetic hot electrons generated through the excitation and decay of surface plasmons in the Au NPs, resulting in the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in ternary nanorod arrays. These excellent results have expanded the comprehensive understanding of hot electron migration in plasmonic NP-semiconductor nanocomposite, and provided a promising strategy for the rational design of the plasmonic-enhanced photocatalyst.

One-Dimensional CdS/Carbon/Au Plasmonic Nanoarray Photoanodes via In Situ Reduction–Graphitization Approach toward Efficient Solar Hydrogen Evolution

“…For example, CdS nanorods or nanowires with highly oriented one-dimensional (1D) structures usually possess a better photoelectric response, mainly due to their confined charge-transfer path with less carrier loss ,, compared with the nonoriented counterparts. Hybridization of the CdS with diverse nanomaterials, like carbon materials (e.g., graphene or carbon nanotube) and metallic NPs (e.g., Cu or Au NPs), is developing rapidly owing to its significantly improved photoactivity. − Since graphene/graphite presents high conductivity, the photoinduced charge carriers of CdS will be separated efficiently and the electrons can be transported rapidly . In addition, different from other hybridizing materials, carbon offers the intrinsic merits of being stable, low-cost, and easily obtained from vast types of raw materials .…”

Deep-Ultraviolet Plasmon Resonances in Al-Al2O3@C Core–Shell Nanoparticles Prepared via Laser Ablation in Liquid

“…LSPR is highly localized, which creates more remarkable enhanced electromagnetic field effect around the metal nanoparticles. Lots of work about LSPR has been reported in the fields of biology sensing, − thermal radiation, enhanced photocatalysis, − and optoelectronic devices, − which is in the visible or the near-infrared region mostly. In recent years, there have been advances in the research of the enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of quantum dots (QDs) by means of LSPR with metallic nanostructures. ,, However, the range of these plasmonic enhancement regions also belong to the visible region.…”

Triangular and Prism‐Shaped Gold‐Zinc Oxide Plasmonic Nanostructures: In situ Reduction, Assembly, and Full‐Range Photocatalytic Performance

“…In many cases, these reactions are carried out with the aid of other co‐reactants such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium borohydride with moderate to strong oxidant or reducing power, respectively . The most reported photocatalytic materials are semiconductors like titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) or zinc oxide (ZnO), since they show relatively low price, great performance, chemical stability and long durability , , . However, their major downside is the specific requirement of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths for their photoactivation, which is relatively more expensive to maintain and represents only around 5 % of the total solar radiation.…”

“…Silver or gold‐based nanoparticles can enhance the catalytic response of other material upon excitation with visible‐near infrared (Vis‐NIR) light due to this LSPR effect. By using these materials, it is feasible to promote the reactions under milder conditions and without harmful agents , , …”

“…The different shapes and sizes of plasmonic nanoparticles give rise to distinct plasmon absorption bands in the visible and/or NIR range , , , . Particles which possess edges, like triangles, exhibit highly localized charge accumulation events and larger reactivity when compared to spherical ones of the same average size .…”