Publications by authors named "A Naldoni"

Controlling the overall geometry of plasmonic materials allows for tailoring their optical response and the effects that can be exploited to enhance the performance of a wide range of devices. This study demonstrates a simple method to control the size and distribution of gold (Au) nanoparticles grown on the surface of spaced titanium dioxide (TiO) nanotubes by varying the deposition time of magnetron sputtering. While shorter depositions led to small and well-separated Au nanoparticles, longer depositions promoted the formation of quasi-continuous layers with small interparticle gaps.

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The interpretation of mechanisms governing hot carrier reactivity on metallic nanostructures is critical, yet elusive, for advancing plasmonic photocatalysis. In this work, we explored the influence of the diffusion of molecules on the hot carrier extraction rate at the solid-liquid interface, which is of fundamental interest for increasing the efficiency of photodevices. Through a spatially defined scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy investigation, we identified a diffusion-controlled regime hindering the plasmon-driven photochemical activity of metallic nanostructures.

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Article Synopsis
  • Growing energy consumption driven by population growth and technological advancement is making the use of rare metals in energy processes costly and geopolitically complicated.
  • Earth-abundant single-atom catalysts (SACs) present a promising alternative for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, especially in creating clean fuels and chemicals.
  • The review highlights key processes like oxygen reduction reactions, electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen fuel, and ammonia production through nitrogen reduction, emphasizing the advantages of using transition metal SACs.
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The study of titanium dioxide (TiO) in the brookite phase is gaining popularity as evidence has shown the efficient photocatalytic performance of this less investigated polymorph. It has been recently reported that defective anisotropic brookite TiO nanorods display remarkable substrate-specific reactivity towards alcohol photoreforming, with rates of hydrogen production significantly (18-fold) higher than those exhibited by anatase TiO nanoparticles. To elucidate the basic photo-physical mechanisms and peculiarities leading to such an improvement in the photoactive efficiency, we investigated the recombination processes of photoexcited charge carriers in both stoichiometric and reduced brookite nanorods photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy in controlled environment.

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