Insight into morphology dependent charge carrier dynamics in ZnSe-CdS nanoheterostructures

authored by: Mona Mittal, Jayanta Dana, Franziska Lübkemann, Hirendra N. Ghosh, Nadja C. Bigall, Sameer Sapra
Abstract: Semiconductor nanoheterostructures (NHSs) are being increasingly used for the photocatalytic conversion of solar energy in which photo-induced charge separation is an essential step and hence it is necessary to understand the effect of various factors such as size, shape, and composition on the charge transfer dynamics. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate the nature and dynamics of photo-induced charge transfer processes in ZnSe-CdS NHSs of different morphologies such as nanospheres (NSs), nanorods (NRs), and nanoplates (NPs). It demonstrates the fast separation of charge carriers and localization of both charges in adjacent semiconductors, resulting in the formation of a charge-separated (CS) state. The lifetime of the charge-separated state follows the order of NSs < NPs < NRs, emphasizing the effect of morphology on the enhancement of photo-induced charge separation and suppression of backward recombination. The separated charge carriers have been utilized in visible light driven hydrogen production and the hydrogen generation activity follows the same order as that for the lifetime of the CS state, underlining the role of charge separation efficiency. Therefore, the variation of the morphology of NHSs plays a significant role in their charge carrier dynamics and hence the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.
Organisation(s): Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry
External Organisation(s): Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
Chandigarh University
Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)
Type: Article
Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume: 24
Pages: 8519-8528
No. of pages: 10
ISSN: 1463-9076
Publication date: 14.04.2022
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Physics and Astronomy, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1039/d1cp05872j (Access: Closed)