Morphology-controlled synthesis of Au/Cu2FeSnS4 core-shell nanostructures for plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Enna Ha, Yoon Suk Lee, Ho Wing Man, Shik Chi Edman Tsang, Kwok Yin Wong

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Copper-based chalcogenides of earth-abundant elements have recently arisen as an alternate material for solar energy conversion. Cu2FeSnS4 (CITS), a quaternary chalcogenide that has received relatively little attention, has the potential to be developed into a low-cost and environmentlly friendly material for photovoltaics and photocatalysis. Herein, we report, for the first time, the synthesis, characterization, and growth mechanism of novel Au/CITS core-shell nanostructures with controllable morphology. Precise manipulations in the core-shell dimensions are demonstrated to yield two distinct heterostructures with spherical and multipod gold nanoparticle (NP) cores (Ausp/CITS and Aump/CITS). In photocatalytic hydrogen generation with as-synthesized Au/CITS NPs, the presence of Au cores inside the CITS shell resulted in higher hydrogen generation rates, which can be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. The Ausp/CITS and Aump/CITS core-shell NPs enhanced the photocatalytic hydrogen generation by about 125% and 240%, respectively, compared to bare CITS NPs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9072-9077
Number of pages6
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume7
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 May 2015

Keywords

  • Anisotropic growth
  • Au/CITS core-shell
  • Hydrogen evolution
  • Photocatalysis
  • Surface plasmon resonance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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