Plasmonic p-n Junction for Infrared Light to Chemical Energy Conversion

Zichao Lian, Masanori Sakamoto, Junie J.M. Vequizo, C. S.Kumara Ranasinghe, Akira Yamakata, Takuro Nagai, Koji Kimoto, Yoichi Kobayashi, Naoto Tamai, Toshiharu Teranishi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Infrared (IR) light represents an untapped energy source accounting for almost half of all solar energy. Thus, there is a need to develop systems to convert IR light to fuel and make full use of this plentiful resource. Herein, we report photocatalytic H2evolution driven by near- to shortwave-IR light (up to 2500 nm) irradiation, based on novel CdS/Cu7S4heterostructured nanocrystals. The apparent quantum yield reached 3.8% at 1100 nm, which exceeds the highest efficiencies achieved by IR light energy conversion systems reported to date. Spectroscopic results revealed that plasmon-induced hot-electron injection at p-n heterojunctions realizes exceptionally long-lived charge separation (>273 μs), which results in efficient IR light to hydrogen conversion. These results pave the way for the exploration of undeveloped low-energy light for solar fuel generation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2446-2450
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume141
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 13 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Plasmonic p-n Junction for Infrared Light to Chemical Energy Conversion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this