Controlling Structural Symmetry of a Hybrid Nanostructure and its Effect on Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

The existence of lattice strain between two different materials can be used to control the fine structural configuration in a hybrid colloidal nanostructure. Enabled by such, the relative position change of Au and CdX in Au-CdX from a symmetric to an asymmetric configuration is demonstrated, which can further lead to fine tuning of plasmon-exciton coupling and different hydrogen photocatalytic performance. These results provide new insight into plasmon enhanced photocatalytic mechanisms and provide potential catalysts for photoreduction reactions. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.