Silver nanoparticle enhanced metal-organic matrix with interface-engineering for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Integrating plasmonic nanoparticles into the photoactive metal-organic matrix is highly desirable due to the plasmonic near field enhancement, complementary light absorption, and accelerated separation of photogenerated charge carriers at the junction interface. The construction of a well-defined, intimate interface is vital for efficient charge carrier separation, however, it remains a challenge in synthesis. Here we synthesize a junction bearing intimate interface, composed of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles and matrix with silver node via a facile one-step approach. The plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles on the matrix is visualized through electron energy loss mapping. Moreover, charge carrier transfer from the plasmonic nanoparticles to the matrix is verified through ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and in-situ photoelectron spectroscopy. The system delivers highly efficient visible-light photocatalytic H-2 generation, surpassing most reported metal-organic framework-based photocatalytic systems. This work sheds light on effective electronic and energy bridging between plasmonic nanoparticles and organic semiconductors.

Automated summary

Integrating plasmonic nanoparticles into the metal-organic matrix allows for enhanced plasmonic near field effect, increased light absorption, and accelerated charge carrier separation. In this study, a one-step synthesis approach is used to create a junction with an intimate interface between plasmonic Ag nanoparticles and a matrix with silver nodes. The plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles on the matrix is visualized, and the transfer of charge carriers from the nanoparticles to the matrix is verified. This system demonstrates highly efficient visible-light photocatalytic H-2 generation, surpassing other metal-organic framework-based photocatalytic systems. This research provides insights into effective electronic and energy bridging between plasmonic nanoparticles and organic semiconductors.