Hybrid nanostructures composed of semiconductor and plasmonic metal components are receiving extensive attention. They display extraordinary optical characteristics that are derived from the simultaneous existence and close conjunction of localized surface plasmon resonance and semiconduction, as well as the synergistic interactions between the two components. They have been widely studied for photocatalysis, plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy, biotechnology, and solar cells. In this review, the developments in the field of (plasmonic metal)/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures are comprehensively described. The preparation of the hybrid nanostructures is first presented according to the semiconductor type, as well as the nanostructure morphology. The plasmonic properties and the enabled applications of the hybrid nanostructures are then elucidated. Lastly, possible future research in this burgeoning field is discussed.

Metal/Semiconductor Hybrid Nanostructures for Plasmon-Enhanced Applications

Åbo Akademi University, Process Chemistry Centre, c/o Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Biskopsgatan 8, FI-20500 Turku-Åbo, Finland; Faculty of Material Science and Ceramics, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, PL-30059 Cracow, Poland; and Åbo Akademi University, Process Chemistry Centre, c/o Center for Process Analytical Chemistry and Sensor Technology (ProSens), Biskopsgatan 8, FI-20500 Turku-Åbo, Finland

Potentiometric Ion Sensors

Understanding the surface chemistry of TiO2 is key to the development and optimisation of many technologies, such as solar power, catalysis, gas sensing, medical implantation, and corrosion protection. In order to address this, considerable research effort has been directed at model single crystal surfaces of TiO2. Particular attention has been given to the rutile TiO2(110) surface because it is the most stable face of TiO2. In this critical review, we discuss the chemical reactivity of TiO2(110), focusing in detail on four molecules/classes of molecules. The selected molecules are water, oxygen, carboxylic acids, and alcohols-all of which have importance not only to industry but also in nature (173 references).

Chemical reactions on rutile TiO2(110)

Semiconductor photocatalysis is a promising physicochemical process for the photodegradation of organic contaminants and bacterial detoxification. Among various oxide semiconductor photocatalysts, TiO2 has garnered considerable attention because of its outstanding properties including strong oxidizing activity, chemical and mechanical stability, corrosion resistance, and nontoxicity. This Review briefly introduces the key mechanisms of photocatalysis, highlights the recent developments pertaining to pure TiO2 nanotube arrays and TiO2 nanotube arrays modified by non-metals, metals and semiconductors, and their applications in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The improved photocatalytic efficiencies of modified TiO2 nanotube arrays are compared with unmodified counterparts. Current challenges and prospective areas of interest in this rich field are also presented.

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Rong-Gui Du

Papers

EIS analysis on chloride-induced corrosion behavior of reinforcement steel in simulated carbonated concrete pore solutions

A highly efficient ZnS/CdS@TiO2 photoelectrode for photogenerated cathodic protection of metals

Multifunctional inhibition based on layered double hydroxides to comprehensively control corrosion of carbon steel in concrete

CdSe/CdS quantum dots co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrode for highly efficient solar cells

Fabrication of heterostructured SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube array films and their use in photocathodic protection of stainless steel