Schottky barrier and surface plasmonic resonance phenomena towards the photocatalytic reaction: study of their mechanisms to enhance photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The article reviews the mechanism, how Schottky barrier and the SPR phenomena help to improve a photoreaction, focusing on the paradox between the Schottky barrier and SPR in the matter of the way of electron flow in the metal/semiconductor system.

In situ growth of Au nanoparticles on 3D Bi2O2CO3 for surface plasmon enhanced visible light photocatalysis

“…7c, the Au-BOC sample remains to be durable in repeated photocatalytic runs with no distinct deactivation. 42, 59,60 Beyond that, as can be seen in Fig. The highly enhanced photocatalytic 15 performance of Au-BOC can be ascribed to the plasmon induced electric field created around Au (as shown in Fig.…”

PlasmonicAu‐TiO2/ZnOCore–Shell Nanorod Array Photoanode for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

“…For this purpose, various methods have been adopted to develop high‐performance catalysts, such as doping and coupling with narrow‐band‐gap semiconductors to form heterojunction structures with an appropriate band alignment . In these advances, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique from irradiated plasmonic metals such as Au and Ag draws attention because these metals have the ability to capture and convert the solar energy to chemical energy by plasmonic effects . Specifically, energetic electrons (also referred to as hot electrons) with high energies produced by the coherent oscillation of the plasmonic metal can easily overcome the Schottky barrier at the interface between the plasmonic metal and semiconductor and transfer to adjacent semiconductors …”

“…[6][7][8] In these advances,t he surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique from irradiated plasmonic metals such as Au and Ag draws attention because these metals have the ability to capturea nd convert the solar energy to chemical energy by plasmonic effects. [9][10][11] Specifically,e nergetic electrons (also referredt oa sh ot electrons) with high energies produced by the coherent oscillationo ft he plasmonic metal can easily overcomet he Schottkyb arrier at the interfaceb etween the plasmonic metal and semiconductor and transfer to adjacent semiconductors. [12] Thep hotovoltaic effect caused by this action enables plasmonic energy transfer into the semiconductor and strengthenst he visible-light absorption of semiconductor.…”

Full Solution‐Processed Synthesis and Mechanisms of a Recyclable and Bifunctional Au/ZnO Plasmonic Platform for Enhanced UV/Vis Photocatalysis and Optical Properties

“…The general principle of photocatalysis via ZnO NRs is based on the photoinduced generation of electron-hole pairs,w hich react with both oxygen and water molecules to yield strongly oxidizing radicals pecies, which in turn promote the oxidation of organic dyes. [33] Figure 4a presents the blank test results under two differentc onditions:1 )int he presence of Au/ZnOp hotocatalysts but in the dark, and 2) with visible-light illumination but in the absence of the photocatalysts. For both cases, no meaningful amount of MB degradation after 2h is found, signifying selfsensitized photolysis can be neglected.…”