From core-shell to yolk-shell: Keeping the intimately contacted interface for plasmonic metal@semiconductor nanorods toward enhanced near-infrared photoelectrochemical performance

Here we report a synthetic strategy for controllable construction of yolk-shell and core-shell plasmonic metal@semiconductor hybrid nanocrystals through modulating the kinetics of sulfurization reaction followed by cation exchange. The yielded yolk-shell structured products feature exceptional crystallinity and more importantly, the intimately adjoined and sharp interface between plasmonic metal and semiconductor which facilitates efficient charge carrier communications between them. By exploiting the system composed of Au nanorods and p-type PbS as a demonstration, we show that the Au@PbS yolk-shell nanorods manifest notable improvement in visible and near infrared light absorption compared to the Au@PbS core-shell nanorods as well as hollow PbS nanorods. Moreover, the photocathode constituted by Au@PbS yolk-shell nanorods affords the highest photoelectrochemical activities both under simulated sunlight and λ > 700 nm light irradiation. The superior performance of Au@PbS yolk-shell nanorods is considered arising from the combination of the favorable structural advantages of yolk-shell configuration and the surface plasmon resonance enhancement effect. We envision that the reported synthetic strategy can offer a valuable means to create hybrid nanocrystals with desirable structures and functions that enable to harness the photogenerated charge carriers, including the plasmonic hot holes, in wide-range solar-to-fuel conversion.