Photo-induced Charge Separation Based on Localized Surface Plasmons of Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

Photoinduced charge separation is possible at interfaces between Au or Ag nanoparticles and TiO₂. The charge separation is based on localized surface plasmon resonance of the metal nanoparticles. The Au-TiO₂ system can be applied to visible light-responsive photocatalysts and photovoltaic cells. If Ag is used instead of Au, visible light-induced oxidation and UV light-induced re-reduction of Ag nanoparticles are possible. These new photoelectrochemical processes can be applied to multicolor photochromism and photoelectrochemical actuators based on hydrogels.