Aspect Ratio-Dependent Charge Carrier Dynamics in Matchstick-like Ag2S-ZnS Nanorods for Solar Hydrogen Generation

Ying Chih Pu, Liu Chun Wang, Shu Ning Wu, Jui Cheng Chang, Chen Sheng Yeh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Matchstick-like Ag2S-ZnS nanorods (NRs) with a tunable aspect ratio (AR) were synthesized using one-pot thermal decomposition. The ultraviolet photoelectron spectra and time-resolved photoluminescence spectra of the Ag2S-ZnS NRs were collected to study their electronic band structures and charge carrier dynamics. The energy difference (ΔE) at the interface between the ZnS stem and Ag2S tip was altered as the AR of Ag2S-ZnS NRs increased from 11.9 to 18.4, resulting in an enlarged driving force for the delocalized electrons along the conduction band of ZnS being injected into that of Ag2S. The interfacial electron transfer rate constant (ket) from ZnS to Ag2S could be enhanced by ∼2 orders of magnitude from 5.27 × 106 to 3.24 × 108 s-1, leading to a significant improvement in the efficiency of solar hydrogen generation. This investigation provides new physical insights into the manipulation of charge carrier dynamics by means of AR adjustment in semiconductor nanoheterostructures for photoelectric conversions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2150-2157
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Mar 19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aspect Ratio-Dependent Charge Carrier Dynamics in Matchstick-like Ag2S-ZnS Nanorods for Solar Hydrogen Generation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this