The loading of nanoparticles (Cu, Ag. Au etc.) in photocatalyst enhances the photocatalytic activity due to efficient utilization of solar energy (SPR effect). Can nanoparticles doped photocatalyst show SPR effect?
Dear Ray
Photocatalyst doped with metal nanoparticles like Cu, Au, Ag, Pt does show the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.
Due to SPR, the visible light absorption is enhanced for wide bandgap semiconductors and thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity.
Now, each metal nanoparticles has its own unique property depending upon the Fermi Energy level which effects the photocatalysis process.
The metal nanoparticles create a Hot Electron which is majorly responsible for increased efficiency.
Thank you Mr.Saurav . I have one confusion. When the metal nanoparticles are doped in photocatalyst, they can stay at lattice or interstitial sites of host. At that condition, how metal nanoparticles show SPR phenomena?
Surface plasmon resonance is basically when the electrons present on metal nanoparticles surface are in resonance and oscillates with exposed light(wavelength). So it doesn't matter whether they are doped, still SPR phenomenon will be present.
Another concept is formation of Schotkky barrier between metal-semiconductors interface. This also enhances the overall charge separation and light absorption.
Regards.
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