Research Projects

The direct plasmon-induced photo-/electro- catalysis has been newly introduced, whereas, very limited works are reported in the case of small molecule detection, biological detection as well as solar energy applications. In addition, the less studied hybrid systems by coupling of LSPR with semiconductor materials followed by addition of another layer of 2-D semiconductor nanosheets can bring an advantageous electrochemistry for future opportunities. Thus, the project proposal aims to design novel nano-hybrid heterostructures of plasmonic nanostructure (AuNSs) coated with SC (viz. CdS, ZnO, etc) with further wrapping of a 2-D SC nanosheet (viz. GO, MoS2, WS2, etc). The critical factors of shape/size and structures will be investigated to optimize the optical property and eventually the photo-electro catalytic properties. The electromagnetic field enhancement, resonant energy transfer, hot charge carrier production, and photothermal properties will be investigated and then the potentiality for their applications as excellent electrocatalyst will be explored. The plasmon-enhanced biosensing activity of the hybrid materials will be finally investigated through the detection and quantification of small bioactive molecules, such as, H2O2, AA, glucose, etc. followed by the biosensor device fabrication for detection and quantification of human cancer cells compared to that of normal cells in the field of health and cancer research.