Imaging silver-nanoparticle-decoration-boosted charge separation and transport in InP by scanning ultrafast electron microscopy

Physical Review Materials 2026

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Authors: Shibin Deng, Moxi Qiu, Xiang Chen, Junqing Guo, Hui Min Feng, Yue Huang, Yunyao Jia, Wei Neng Tang, Yaocheng Yu, Yaqing Zhang, Shaozheng Ji, Fang Liu
+2 more Cuntao Gao, Xuewen Fu
DOI: 10.1103/tbhp-ml3m
Cited by: 1
References: 47

Abstract

Indium phosphide (InP) is a promising photocatalyst, yet its performance is often limited by fast carrier recombination and inefficient charge transport. Deng \emph{et al}. use scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (SUEM) to directly visualize photoexcited carrier dynamics on femtosecond-nanometer scales at the InP surface decorated with silver nanoparticles. SUEM reveals that Ag nanoparticles remarkably enhance light absorption via localized surface plasmon resonance, leading to stronger charge separation, suppressed recombination, and a pronounced early-time boost in lateral carrier transport. In contrast, a continuous Ag film improves separation through a Schottky junction but shows limited diffusion, underscoring the unique role of plasmonic nanoparticles.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review Materials
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
10
Issue
2
Publication date
17 February 2026
Language
EN