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In Situ Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles without Aggregation in the Interlayer Space of Layered Titanate Transparent Films
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Photoinduced Charge Transfer and Trapping on Single Gold Metal Nanoparticles on TiO2
Monica Luna1, Mariam Barawi2, Sacha Gómez-Moñivas3
1IMN-Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología (CNM-CSIC), 28760 Tres Cantos, Spain.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on titanium dioxide (TiO2) enhance charge generation and trapping. This study reveals how Au NPs improve photo(electro)catalytic activity by hindering electron-hole recombination.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a widely used photocatalyst.
- Understanding charge dynamics in TiO2 is crucial for improving its efficiency.
- Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are known to influence semiconductor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Au NPs on TiO2 charge generation and trapping.
- To elucidate the mechanism of photoinduced electron transfer at the single nanoparticle level.
- To correlate charge dynamics with photocatalytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Photoassisted Kelvin probe force microscopy (PKPFM) was employed.
- Single Au NP level analysis was performed.
- Illumination with photons exceeding the TiO2 band gap was used.
Main Results:
- Photoinduced electron transfer from TiO2 to Au NPs increases logarithmically with light intensity.
- Both TiO2-air interface and metal-semiconductor junction contribute to electron-hole pair generation.
- Direct evidence of electron trapping hindering electron-hole recombination was observed.
Conclusions:
- Au NPs significantly impact charge generation and trapping in TiO2.
- Electron trapping by Au NPs is a key factor in enhancing photo(electro)catalytic activity.
- The findings provide insights into optimizing nanomaterials for photocatalysis.
