Plasmonic Nanohole Arrays with Enhanced Visible Light Photoelectrocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Metallic nanohole arrays exciting both surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in a single thin film have sparked considerable interest in the field of plasmonics. To exert their full potential for the generation of hot electrons in visible light, we bury an Au nanohole array (AuNHA) under a thin TiO2 layer and decorate Pt nanoparticles randomly on the surface to form the Pt/TiO2/AuNHA nanocomposite. As compared to the Pt/TiO2/Au film, the Pt/TiO2/AuNHA sample with a 90 nm hole diameter shows an enhancement of 4.1 folds in photocurrent density, 14.7 folds in the peak of incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency, and 9.4 folds in the degradation of methyl orange. Moreover, numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the contributions of SPP and LSPR effects at different wavelengths. This work is the first study of AuNHAs fully covered by a thin TiO2 film and provides a unique design of photoelectrodes for solar photocatalysis applications.

Metallic Plasmonic Nanostructure Arrays for Enhanced Solar Photocatalysis

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 135 ] Copyright 2022, American Chemical Society. h) Schematic of the AuNHA/TiO 2 /Au MDM absorber.…”

Bloch-Surface Plasmon Polariton Enhanced Amplified and Directional Spontaneous Emission from Plasmonic Hexagonal Nanohole Array

“…The localized electromagnetic field supported by surface plasmon polariton (SPP) has led to numerous unique physical properties for designing new generation of optical devices that are faster, more sensitive, less power consuming, and more integrated, which is also known to dramatically modify the spontaneous emission intensity of the fluorescent molecules by the plasmonic resonances. − Nevertheless, the maximum performance of SPP has been largely limited by the energy dissipation due to the intrinsic losses of metals . The periodically arranged nanostructures that support SPP can be used to reduce the dissipation partially. , When the periodicity is comparable to the wavelength of the plasmon resonances, Bragg vectors inherent in periodic nanostructures can compensate the momentum mismatches between SPP and free-space light. Considering the scattering field, the electromagnetic field associated with the SPP mode can be periodically modulated to form a new hybrid plasma photon mode.…”

“…4 The periodically arranged nanostructures that support SPP can be used to reduce the dissipation partially. 5,6 When the periodicity is comparable to the wavelength of the plasmon resonances, Bragg vectors inherent in periodic nanostructures can compensate the momentum mismatches between SPP and free-space light. Considering the scattering field, the electromagnetic field associated with the SPP mode can be periodically modulated to form a new hybrid plasma photon mode.…”

Direct S–H Evidence Revealing the Photo-electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Mechanism on CdS Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

“…Hydrogen (H 2 ) is a key renewable energy source, playing an increasingly important role in future energy systems . Industrial H 2 is typically obtained via steam methane re-forming or coal gasification, but these methods increase CO 2 emissions and environmental issues. − Water electrolysis, a more environmentally friendly approach, relies on Pt-based catalysts, which are expensive. − To make water electrolysis more cost-effective, researchers are focusing on designing efficient catalysts powered by renewable energy sources, such as electricity and light. , Transition metal sulfides, such as CdS, MoS 2 , and CoS, have garnered significant interest due to their adequate band gap, suitable energy band position, abundant active sites, and relatively low cost, making them promising candidates for H 2 generation comparable to Pt-based materials. − They can be powered by clean energy from solar light and electricity, and H 2 can be directly produced on them . Among them, CdS is particularly appealing due to its high visible light utilization efficiency, excellent carrier transport capabilities, and impressive performance in H 2 production by water splitting. , …”

“…8−10 To make water electrolysis more cost-effective, researchers are focusing on designing efficient catalysts powered by renewable energy sources, such as electricity and light. 11,12 Transition metal sulfides, such as CdS, MoS 2 , and CoS, have garnered significant interest due to their adequate band gap, suitable energy band position, abundant active sites, and relatively low cost, making them promising candidates for H 2 generation comparable to Ptbased materials. 13−19 They can be powered by clean energy from solar light and electricity, and H 2 can be directly produced on them.…”