Plasmon-driven charge dynamics for efficient visible-light catalysis

Authors

Akihiro Furube ⋅ JP Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University

Abstract

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in metal nanoparticles (NPs) induces strong near-field enhancement under visible and near-infrared illumination, enabling advanced applications in molecular sensing, photoelectric conversion, and photothermal therapy. Upon light excitation, the rapid relaxation of free electrons in metallic NPs generates hot carriers. When coupled with semiconductors in engineered hybrid nanostructures, these hot carriers can undergo ultrafast interfacial transfer, significantly extending their lifetimes to the nanosecond regime. This process holds great promise for enhancing photocatalytic activity and photocurrent generation. However, the underlying mechanisms of charge separation and transfer at the plasmonic-semiconductor interface remain incompletely understood, limiting further optimization of energy conversion efficiency. To address this, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques have become essential. In our recent studies, femtosecond-resolved spectroscopy has revealed critical insights into the charge transfer dynamics at these hybrid interfaces.
Our presentation will cover recent findings on charge transfer in a (Au NP array)-(TiO₂ film)-(Au film) stacked structure using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, alongside insights from silver nanowire structures for visible light photocatalysis and electron diffusion simulations.

About the Speaker

Akihiro Furube, Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University

Akihiro Furube has been a professor of Tokushima University since 2015. He obtained his PhD degree in Applied Physics from Osaka University under the supervision of Professor Hiroshi Masuhara in 1999. As postdoctoral research positions from 1999 to 2001, he worked at Osaka University, University of Texas at Austin, Georgia Institute of Technology and Tokyo Institute of Technology. In 2001, he became a Research Scientist in National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and in 2006 was promoted as a Senior Research Scientist. In 2008, he was appointed as an adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba. His research theme is ultrafast charge transfer dynamics in nanomaterials using femtosecond spectroscopy. He is a member of JCP Editorial Advisory Board (2023–) and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews (2024–).

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Issue

2025: Proceedings of the 43rd Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference

Article ID

SPP-2025-INV-PS-31

Section

Invited Presentations

Published

2025-06-26

How to Cite

[1]

A Furube, Plasmon-driven charge dynamics for efficient visible-light catalysis, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 43, SPP-2025-INV-PS-31 (2025). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2025-INV-PS-31.