Open AccessEvaluating the plasmon-exciton interaction in ZnO tetrapods coupled with gold nanostructures by nanoscale cathodoluminescence
Author(s) -
Marco Villani,
Francesca Rossi,
Davide Calestani,
G. Salviati,
Filippo Fabbri
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nano express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2632-959X
DOI - 10.1088/2632-959x/abe277
Subject(s) - cathodoluminescence , nanostructure , plasmon , exciton , materials science , colloidal gold , nanotechnology , nanoparticle , surface plasmon , nanoscopic scale , schottky barrier , optoelectronics , luminescence , condensed matter physics , physics , diode
Plasmon-exciton coupling is gaining increasing interest for enhancing the performance of optoelectronic, photonic and photo-catalytic devices. Herein we evaluate the interaction of excitons in zinc oxide tetrapods with surface plasmons of gold nanostructures with different morphologies. The gold nanostructures are grown in situ on ZnO tetrapods by means of a photochemical process, resulting in clean interfaces. The modification of the synthesis parameters results in different morphologies, as isolated nanoparticles, nano-domes or nanoparticles aggregates. Plasmon-exciton interaction is evaluated by means of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and mapping at the nanoscale. The ZnO excitonic emission is strongly blue-shifted and broadened in close proximity of the gold nanostructures. This effect is explained by the formation of a Schottky barrier that is strongly mediated by the morphology of metal nanostructures.