Metal–Semiconductor Hybrid Nano-Heterostructures for Photocatalysis Application

Abstract

This chapter will address the development of colloidal synthesis of hybrid metal– semiconductor nanocrystals and their application in the field of photocatalysis. Despite the plethora of examples of different-shaped metal–semiconductor nanostructures that have been reported, metal-tipped semiconductor nanorods are perhaps the most intensively studied, and their use as a photocatalyst will be the focus of the chapter. First, we will discuss different wet-chemical synthesis techniques to control the synthesis of these metal–semiconductor hybrid structures. Afterward, we will discuss their unique physicochemical properties that are a combination of semiconductor and metal properties. Finally, we will showcase several examples from the literature demonstrating the possible application of these unique hybrid structures in photoca‐ talysis.