Amplification of hot electron capture using quasi-three dimensional Pt/mesoporous $TiO_2$ Schottky nanodiode

Abstract

For hot electron observation in three-dimensional system, a Schottky nanodiode composed of Pt/mesoporous $TiO_2$ was prepared. Compared with Pt/planar $TiO_2$ nanodiode, we successfully observed the enhancement in hydrogen oxidation reaction-induced hot electron flow in a factor of 2.5, and the amplification in photon-induced hot electron flow in a factor of 2.7 for our newly suggested nanodiode. Maintenance of morphological, chemical, and electrical characteristic of the nanodiode was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and I-V measurements. This result can give an insight for understanding electron excitation phenomena during catalytic reaction in extended systems.