Plasmon-Induced Ultrafast Interfacial Charge Transfer for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of precious metals is crucial for photocatalytic H2 evolution.
• The impact of LSPR on ultrafast interfacial charge transfer kinetics in photocatalysts is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the LSPR-induced ultrafast interfacial charge transfer in CdS/ReSx photocatalysts by incorporating gold nanoparticles.
• To enhance photocatalytic H2 production activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CdS/Au@ReSx composite photocatalyst.
• Characterization using in situ X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TAS).
• Evaluation of photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.

Main Results:

• The CdS/Au0.5@ReSx photocatalyst achieved a H2 production rate of 8.6 mmol g-1 h-1 (AQE = 35.9%).
• Au LSPR effect induced electron-deficient Auδ+ species and contracted Au-S bonds, accelerating electron transfer.
• Enhanced electron migration and interfacial charge dynamics were observed.

Conclusions:

• The LSPR effect of gold nanoparticles significantly boosts photocatalytic H2 evolution by accelerating ultrafast interfacial charge transfer.
• This work provides insights into LSPR-mediated charge transfer mechanisms.
• The findings offer a strategy for designing advanced plasmonic photocatalysts.