Interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials

Interfacial energy and charge transfer in hybrid nanomaterials

Extracting energy generated by optical excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances is crucial for solar-powered chemistry. Mechanistic insight into the energy transfer process will enable optimization and design of the nanoscale reaction pathways. To utilize theplasmon energy efficiently, rapid redistribution of electron-hole pairs after optical excitation is required before they convert into heat. The prolonged lifetime of the charge carriers can be achieved by hybridization of diverse molecular/polymer acceptors onto the plasmon donor,allowing plasmonic nanohybrids with soft materials to provide an alternative route for energy dissipation, i.e., plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (RET). We are working to establish mechanistic principles governing the RET pathway at the nanoscale interface between plasmonic nanostructures and molecular/polymer acceptors and to achieve controlled plasmon-based chemical conversion.