S. Girish Kumar
The metal-semiconductor composite structure mediated photocatalytic reactions has been regarded as promising approach, because of their multifaceted functionalities attained due to the synergistic interactions at the interface of integrated components. The surface Plasmon resonance of Au NPs and superior photocatalytic properties of ZnO makes Au-ZnO as a prime choice the degradation of various pollutants and also for the hydrogen evolution reaction under diverse reaction conditions. In this presentation, choice of Au over other noble metals, preparative methods, band offsets between ZnO and Au, core@shell structures, and mechanisms of photocatalytic reactions associated with Au-ZnO will be discussed in detail. The merits and demerits associated with the deposition method of Au and site specific deposition of Au over the ZnO surface will be highlighted. Further progress achieved in Au-ZnO through modifications with organic functional groups that facilitate the formation of stable composite will be emphasized. In addition, ternary composites of Au-ZnO accomplished by heterostructuring with metals, carbon materials and other semiconductors are discussed by emphasizing on the preparation methods and charge carrier dynamics. This presentation provides sufficient information about the design and development of multifunctional Au-ZnO heterostructure concerning the visible light harvesting ability, charge carrier separation and interface engineering which can be explored in energy and environment applications.
