Optical field coupling in ZnO nanorods decorated with silver plasmonic nanoparticles

Characterizing carrier redistribution due to optical field modulation in a plasmonic hot-electron/semiconductor junction can be used to raise the framework for harnessing the carrier decay of plasmonic metals in more efficient conversion systems. In this work we comprehensively studied the carrier redistribution mechanisms of a 1-dimensional (1D) metal-semiconductor Schottky architecture, holding the dual feature of a hot-electron plasmonic system and a simple metal/semiconductor junction. We obtained a strongly enhanced external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the plasmonic Ag decorated ZnO semiconductor in both the band-edge region of ZnO and the corresponding plasmonic absorption profile of the Ag NPs (visible region). Simultaneously, the insertion of an insulating Al2O3 intermediate layer between Ag NPs and ZnO resulted in a parallel distinction of the two main non-radiative carrier transfer mechanisms of plasmonic NPs, i.e. direct electron transfer (DET) and plasmonic induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET). The multi-wavelength transient pump-probe spectroscopy indicated the very fast plasmonic radiative transfer dynamics of the system in <500 fs below 389 nm. We demonstrate a 13% increase of photogenerated current in ZnO upon visible irradiation as a result of non-radiative plasmonic hot-electron injection from Ag NPs. Overall, our device encompasses several effective solutions for designing a plasmonic system featuring non-radiative electron-electron plasmonic dephasing and high photoconversion efficiencies.

Automated summary

Characterizing carrier redistribution due to optical field modulation in a plasmonic hot-electron/semiconductor junction can enhance the efficiency of conversion systems by improving the carrier decay of plasmonic metals. By utilizing a 1D metal-semiconductor Schottky architecture and introducing an insulating layer between Ag NPs and ZnO, the study demonstrates increased external quantum efficiency and photogenerated current, as well as improved non-radiative carrier transfer mechanisms in the plasmonic system. Additionally, the fast plasmonic radiative transfer dynamics of the system were observed in the visible region, highlighting the potential for high photoconversion efficiencies.