Sensitizing the surface of metal oxide semiconductors with plasmonic metal nanoparticles has been a prominent area of research in recent years. The platelet geometry of Ag is particularly attractive for maximizing absorption in the visible region. The tunable nature of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the visible region, via changes in the particle size and shape of the metal nanoparticle, is the driving force behind its use in improving visible light harvesting for improved photodegradation efficiency. The introduction of anisotropic Ag nanoplatelets to the surface of TiO2 shows remarkable activity under visible irradiation offering a potential solution to the band gap limitations of TiO2. We report the growth of anisotropic Ag on the surface of electrospun TiO2 nanofibers. These nanocomposites exhibited a two fold increase in the degradation rate of methylene blue under solar irradiation, in comparison to raw TiO2 nanofibers. These results were further supported and explained by computational electromagnetic modeling and transient infrared spectroscopy studies, which demonstrated the enhanced absorption and charge injection capabilities of the nanocomposites, respectively. Finally, new results in the charge injection properties of functionalized aluminum nanohole arrays will also be presented.

Charge injection properties in plasmonic nanocomposites and thin films

2019 Spring National Meeting

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