Hot Electron-Mediated photocatalytic reduction of para nitrophenol and organic dye sensing using Cu-Ag heterostructure

• Published in: Inorganic chemistry communications 2024-03, Vol.161, p.112040, Article 112040
• Main Author: Pramanick, Bulti
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1387-7003; 1879-0259
• DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2024.112040

[Display omitted] •Synthesis of plasmonic Cu-Ag nanoparticles using polyol synthesised methods.•Visible spectrum adsorption of light by composition engineering of Cu and Ag in the nanocomposite.•Exceptionally high plasmonic photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite for p-nitrophenol reduction.•Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy for rhodamine b sensing applications. Using freely available sunlight for photocatalytic effects, especially environmental remedies and sensing is a highly green approach. Visible light active heterogeneous photocatalysts are to be developed for driving reactions. Plasmonic monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) are highly active photocatalysts. Here, we report a single-step polyol synthesis of copper nanoparticles and copper-silver (Ag) bimetallic nanoparticles. Copper nanostructures were synthesized at 80℃ temperatures. The reaction was allowed to proceed for varying durations of 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min, resulting in the formation of a red-colored solution. Adding different surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) controlled the morphology of the nanostructures. These surfactants played a crucial role in promoting the desired reactions and controlling the growth of the particles. The plasmon-driven hot electron transfer process in Cu-Ag nanoparticles and its effect on the photochemical reactivity of p-nitrophenolate ions. Here, demonstration in the presence of light induces interfacial electron transfer from plasmon-excited Cu-Ag NPs to the antibonding orbital of the p-nitrophenolate ion, initiating a photochemical reaction. This transfer of hot electrons relies on the plasmon-induced interfacial hot electron transfer transition mechanism. Through the hot electron transfer to the antibonding orbital and consequent enhancement of photochemical reactivity. Also observed that a significantly higher surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) intensity enhancement was observed in Cu-Ag NPs compared to other Cu-based nanoparticles. Understanding these processes contributes to the advancement of nanoparticle-based catalysis and facilitates SERS applications.