Development of Highly Efficient Hydrogen Generation System by Plasmon-Induced Charge Separation Using Sunlight as Energy Source
Dr. Yukina Takahashi
Associate Professor
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,
Kyushu University
*The organization and the title are those when awarded
Research summary
Dr. Takahashi is establishing a system using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and
plasmon-induced charge separation (PICS). LSPR increases the density of solar energy. PICS occurs when
metal nanoparticles and semiconductors are combined. The semiconductors need p-type semiconductors
instead of conventional n-type semiconductors, which can improve stability and charge separation
efficiency, and also improve the reaction selectivity by controlling the type of metals and crystal
planes that make up the metal nanoparticles.
This research can contribute to solving the energy problems by converting light energy into various
types such as electricity, power, and heat in a high efficiency and stable manner.
* Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) :
A phenomenon in which nanosized metal harvests the photoenergy of incident light in its nanospace on the surface beyond the diffraction limit. In theory, it can enhance the optical energy of incident light by tens to millions of times.
*Plasmon-induced charge separation (PICS): A phenomenon in which the charge of plasmonic metal nanoparticles is transferred to semiconductors under light irradiation at resonance wavelengths.
*n-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which electrical conduction occurs by the movement of free electrons.
*p-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which electrical conduction occurs by the transfer of holes.
* Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) :
A phenomenon in which nanosized metal harvests the photoenergy of incident light in its nanospace on the surface beyond the diffraction limit. In theory, it can enhance the optical energy of incident light by tens to millions of times.
*Plasmon-induced charge separation (PICS): A phenomenon in which the charge of plasmonic metal nanoparticles is transferred to semiconductors under light irradiation at resonance wavelengths.
*n-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which electrical conduction occurs by the movement of free electrons.
*p-type semiconductor: A semiconductor in which electrical conduction occurs by the transfer of holes.
