Interfacial States in Au/Reduced TiO₂ Plasmonic Photocatalysts Quench Hot-Carrier Photoactivity.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the interface of plasmonic nanostructures is essential for improving the performance of photocatalysts. Surface defects in semiconductors modify the dynamics of charge carriers, which are not well understood yet. Here, we take advantage of scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM) as a fast and effective tool for detecting the impact of surface defects on the photoactivity of plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. We evidenced a significant photoactivity activation of TiO₂ ultrathin films under visible light upon mild reduction treatment. Through Au nanoparticle (NP) arrays deposited on different reduced TiO₂ films, the plasmonic photoactivity mapping revealed the effect of interfacial defects on hot charge carriers, which quenched the plasmonic activit

SUBMITTER: Henrotte O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10441571 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature