Photocatalytic nanoparticle deposition on LiNbO3 nanodomain patterns via photovoltaic effect

Metallic nanoparticle deposition from an aqueous solution onto the +Z surfaces of LiNbO3 nanodomain patterns has been demonstrated. The distribution of the selectively deposited Ag particles was uniform and their sizes were 2-10 nm both in the diameter and height. The authors have inferred the mechanism by which the photovoltaic effect causes Ag particles to be deposited selectively on the +Z surfaces. The photovoltaic current density and the ferroelectric crystal thickness are found to be fundamental parameters of the photocatalytic deposition. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.