Multiplasmon modes for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Au/Ag/Cu2O core–shell nanorods. Issue 35 (23rd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Zhijian; Mi, Yang; Ji, Yinglu; Wang, Rui; Zhou, Weiya; Qiu, Xiaohui; Liu, Xinfeng; Fang, Zheyu; Wu, Xiaochun
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 11:Issue 35(2019)
• Page Start: 16445
• Page End: 16454
• Publication Date: 2019-08-23
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c9nr03943k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Multiplasmon modes of Au/Ag/Cu2 O core-shell nanorods were created to enhance the photocatalytic activity via PIRET effect. Abstract : One of the critical challenges for semiconductor photocatalysis is the high efficiency utilization of solar energy. For plasmonic metal–semiconductor photocatalysts, the photocatalytic activity over an extended wavelength range for a photoresponsive semiconductor could be significantly improved either via the direct electron transfer (DET) or via the plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET). Still, the narrow spectral overlap of plasmon and the semiconductor band edge is a key factor in restricting the development of PIRET. Herein, we have introduced a simple and versatile strategy to realize a broad spectral overlap by creating multipolar plasmon resonances near the semiconductor band edge. Cu2 O coated Au/Ag nanorods (NRs) were prepared using a facile wet chemistry method. Transverse plasmon modes of Au/Ag/Cu2 O NRs can split into dipole and octupole plasmon modes. The core aspect ratio and shell thickness could be used to regulate these two modes for extending the spectral overlap of plasmon resonance and the Cu2 O band edge. Au/Ag/Cu2 O NRs were found to display enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity compared to spherical Au/Ag/Cu2 O nanoparticles. The enhancement mechanism was ascribed to both dipole and octupole plasmon modes boosting electron–hole separation in Cu2 O via PIRET as confirmed by transient absorption measurements.