Modulated Binary–Ternary Dual Semiconductor Heterostructures

Abstract

AbstractA generic modular synthetic strategy for the fabrication of a series of binary‐ternary group II‐VI and group I‐III‐VI coupled semiconductor nano‐heterostructures is reported. Using Ag2Se nanocrystals first as a catalyst and then as sacrificial seeds, four dual semiconductor heterostructures were designed with similar shapes: CdSe‐AgInSe2, CdSe‐AgGaSe2, ZnSe‐AgInSe2, and ZnSe‐AgGaSe2. Among these, dispersive type‐II heterostructures are further explored for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water and these are observed to be superior catalysts than the binary or ternary semi‐conductors. Details of the chemistry of this modular synthesis have been studied and the photophysical processes involved in catalysis are investigated.