Optical Management of CQD/AgNP@SiNW Arrays with Highly Efficient Capability of Dye Degradation

Abstract

The facile synthetic method for the preparation of incorporated carbon quantum dots (CQDs)/Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with well-aligned silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays is demonstrated, offering the superior photodegradation capabilities covering UV to visible wavelength regions. By examining the morphology, microstructure, crystallinity, chemical feature, surface groups, light-emitting, and reflection characteristics, these hybrid heterostructures are systematically identified. Moreover, the involving degradation kinetics, band diagram, cycling capability, and underlying mechanism of photodegradation are investigated, validating their remarkable and reliable photocatalytic performances contributed from the strongly reduced light reflectivity, superior capability of charge separation, and sound wettability with dye solutions.