Energy conversion of sub-band-gap light using naked carbon nanodots and rhodamine B. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Sungju; Lee, Su Young; Umh, Ha Nee; Yi, Jongheop
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 26(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Nanomaterials -- Energy conversion -- Photocatalysis -- Electron transfer -- Visible light; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: The broad energy distribution of solar spectrum is one of the intrinsic factors limiting the efficiency of photocatalytic systems. Here we show a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-assisted upconversion process across three components for efficiently utilizing a significantly wasted portion of the sunlight. In this process, rhodamine B (RhB) makes a FRET pair with naked carbon nanodots (NC-dots) of 3.4 nm, which are not passivated by any insulating molecules and have a sp 2 graphitic characteristics. The FRET effect enhances the photosensitization and upconversion properties of NC-dots. The upconverted photons are subsequently used to sensitize Ag3 PO4 particles and thus generate 18 times higher photocurrent at λ ex >500 nm than before adding the RhB molecules. The reason for increase in photocurrent is unveiled by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Naked carbon nanodots of 3.4 nm were highly dispersed on the surface of Ag3 PO4 . Rhodamine B made a FRET pair with the naked carbon nanodots. The FRET effect improved the photosensitization and upconversion properties. The fluorescence system generated the enhanced photocurrent at λ ex >500 nm. Kinetic and mechanistic insights were studied by photoluminescence spectroscopies.