Visible light-induced charge retention and photocatalysis with hybrid CdSe-Au nanodumbbells.
Visible light photocatalysis is a promising route for harnessing of solar energy to perform useful chemical reactions and to convert light to chemical energy. Nanoscale photocatalytic systems used to date were based mostly on oxide semiconductors aided by metal deposition and were operational only under UV illumination. Additionally, the degree of control over particle size and shape was limited. We report visible light photocatalysis using highly controlled hybrid gold-tipped CdSe nanorods (nanodumbbells). Under visible light irradiation, charge separation takes place between the semiconductor and metal parts of the hybrid particles. The charge-separated state was then utilized for direct photoreduction of a model acceptor molecule, methylene blue, or alternatively, retained for later use to perform the reduction reaction in the dark.
Costi
Ronny
R
Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Saunders
Aaron E
AE
Elmalem
Einat
E
Salant
Asaf
A
Banin
Uri
U
D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D002384:Catalysis; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D055672:Static Electricity
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D006046:Gold; C058667:cadmium selenide