Rapid and Efficient Self-Assembly of Au@ZnO Core–Shell Nanoparticle Arrays with an Enhanced and Tunable Plasmonic Absorption for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b09325
• Publication Date: 2017-08-30T19:50:23Z
• Authors: Yiqiang Sun; Bo Xu; Qi Shen; Lifeng Hang; Dandan Men; Tao Zhang; Huilin Li; Cuncheng Li; Yue Li
• Keywords: Plasmonic Nanoparticles; Visible spectrum

High-quality Au@ZnO core–shell nanoparticle (NP) array films were easily and efficiently fabricated through an air/water interfacial self-assembly. These materials have remarkable visible light absorption capacity fascinating performance in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting with a photocurrent density of ∼3.08 mA/cm2 at 0.4 V, which is superior to most ZnO-based photoelectrodes studies. Additionally, the interesting PEC could be effectively adjusted by altering thickness ZnO shell and/or layer number films. Results indicated that bilayer film based on NPs 25 nm displayed optimal behavior. The capability ascribed enhanced light-harvesting ability structured SPR effect optimum thickness. This work demonstrates desirable paradigm for preparing synergistic plasmatic as core optical absorbent semiconductor shell. Moreover, this provides new approach fabricating optoelectronic anode thin devices self-assembly method.