Dataset on the Long-Lived Photoexcitation in TiO2-Ag Nano-heterojunctions probed by Photo-induced enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Description

The dataset contains experimental files related to Raman, SEM, UV-Vis, photoluminescence, and current-voltage (I-V) measurements of Ag-TiO2 substrates, based on a 20-nanometer layer of semiconductor and silver nanoparticles, used in Surface-Enhanced and Photo-Induced Raman spectroscopy (SERS and PIERS, respectively). The study investigates the relationship between the characteristics of Ag-TiO2 junction in substrates based on a 20 nm TiO2 layer with deposited silver nanoparticles and the migration and charge accumulation between its elements caused by UV light. The study examined how the aforementioned parameters affect the enhancement and lifetime of the PIERS effect.

Steps to reproduce

The fabrication of TiO2 thin films on silicon wafers was achieved by employing the sol-gel and dip-coating methods. In brief, titanium tetraisopropoxid - TTIP (1.25 ml) was introduced into i-C3H8O (16.6 ml) with vigorous magnetic stirring for 5 minutes. Subsequently, 40 µl of 2 M HCl, serving as a catalyst, was gradually incorporated. The resulting mixture underwent continuous stirring at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes. Ultimately, the sol was applied to a silicon wafer utilizing a dip-coating technique, maintaining a constant immersion and withdrawal rate of 25 mm/min. The as-prepared TiO2 films were subjected to drying at 100°C for 2 hours, followed by calcination at 500°C for 2 hours. Next silver nanoparticles were photochemically synthesized on the TiO2 film upon reduction of silver ions under UV illumination. The TiO2 coatings were placed in polymethacrylate cuvettes (1x1x4.5 cm), immersed in a 2.5 ml aqueous 1 mM solution of AgNO3 and next exposed to UV light for 15 min. (UV-Consulting Peschl, 2×15W, λ = 365 nm, power density: 5 mW/cm2). Experimental details related to specific research techniques can be found in the research data folders for selected techniques.

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