Semiconductor–noble metal hybrid nanomaterials with controlled structures

Abstract

We exploited a new approach to prepare nanocomposites of semiconductor and noble metal via reaction between sulfur and bimetallic nanocrystals in ODA solvent. Various nanostructures including core–shell, porous, and heterostructure can be prepared, depending on the structure of bimetallic nanocrystals. For example, core–shell (the shell metal reacts with sulfur) bimetallic nanocrystals lead to the formation of core (noble metal)–shell (semiconductor) hybrid nanocrystals (Co_xS@Au); intermetallic and alloyed nanocrystals lead to the formation of porous noble metal–semiconductor nanocrystals (Co_xS–Pt); core–shell (the core metal reacts with sulfur) bimetallic nanocrystals lead to the formation of hollow noble metal–solid semiconductor heterostructured nanocrystals (Pt–Ag₂S). This approach provides a general and excellent way to produce hybrid nanomaterials.