Mercaptopropionic Acid (MPA) capped Ag-, Au-, and bi-metallic-nanoclusters were fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal method. The aqueous solutions of the nanoclusters exhibited visible- to near-infrared- photoluminescence (PL) emission. The bi-metallic-nanoclusters with a small Ag to Au ratio showed boosted quantum yield of the PL emission. The nanoclusters were further deposited onto TiO<sub>2</sub> based photoelectrodes and the electrodes were tested in photoelectrochemical application and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The inter-component electron injection processes were analyzed through exciton lifetime measurements. It was found that the Ag-nanoclusters showed the best photocurrent yet their photo-stability was poor, while the Au-nanoclusters showed low photocurrent but better stability. The bi-metallic nanoclusters found the best balance between the performance and stability. The nanoclusters were also found useful in enhancing the efficiency of DSSCs. The nanoclusters are candidates with great potential in bio-labeling, solar fuel and photovoltaics applications.

Silver-, gold-, and bi-metallic-nanoclusters for photoelectrochemical revolution and photovoltaics

251st National Meeting (2016)

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