Metal/Semiconductor Hybrid Nanostructures for Plasmon‐Enhanced Applications

Abstract

Hybrid nanostructures composed of semiconductor and plasmonic metal components are receiving extensive attention. They display extraordinary optical characteristics that are derived from the simultaneous existence and close conjunction of localized surface plasmon resonance and semiconduction, as well as the synergistic interactions between the two components. They have been widely studied for photocatalysis, plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, biotechnology, and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of (plasmonic metal)/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. The preparation of the hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the semiconductor type, as well as the nanostructure morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then elucidated. Lastly, possible future research in this burgeoning field is discussed.

Metal/Semiconductor Hybrid Nanocrystals and Synergistic Photocatalysis Applications

“…The frequency of the surface plasmon absorption is highly dependent on the type of metal, size, shape, surrounding dielectric medium, distance between neighboring objects, and configuration their ensemble [101]. A wide range of metal/semiconductor heterostructures, including Au/TiO 2 , Ag/TiO 2 , Au/CdS, and Au/Fe 2 O 3 , have been explored to achieve enhanced photocatalytic activity [102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110].…”

Modulation of the electron transfer processes in Au–ZnO nanostructures

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Of particular interest is the question whether and to what extent hot-electron carriers created by surface plasmon excitation of metal nanoparticles can participate in charge transfer processes at the interface. 6 Small domains of metal nanoparticles in which the high energy carriers can rapidly reach the interface seem essential to the task.…”

Physical Confinement Promoting Formation of Cu2O–Au Heterostructures with Au Nanoparticles Entrapped within Crystalline Cu2O Nanorods

“…[1][2][3] Integrating plasmonic assemblies into semiconducting materials can increase charge injection, optical path length, and enhance absorption of near IR light. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] A key challenge that dictates the performance of such metal-semiconductor hybrid materials is achieving a metal-oxide interface that is free of electrically insulating organic ligands. [12][13][14][15][16] Methods to synthesize these materials generally require careful chemical design on a case-by-case basis.…”