Dynamically Monitoring the Photodeposition of Single Cocatalyst Nanoparticles on Semiconductors via Fluorescence Imaging

Loading of cocatalysts through photodeposition has been considered as one the most promising methods to improve photocatalytic activities semiconductors, because advantages intimate contact, easy preparation, and site-directed loading. While extensive efforts have made characterize after synthesis, growth kinetics during is largely a black box, thus leading relatively empirical optimizations on loading strategies date. Herein, we dynamically imaged single semiconductors via wide-field fluorescence (FL) microscope, utilizing g-C3N4 sheets CdS nanowires models. This capability was based quenching effect intrinsic FL emission semiconductors. Single cocatalyst study revealed that photocatalysts decayed monoexponentially photodeposition, possessed self-limited growth. The significant heterogeneities (differences) were also uncovered, regarding apparent induction time, deposition rate amplitude. These informations difficult be accessed using ex situ characterization. Programmable dissolution CoxP realized, focused laser beam with spot size <1 μm. work explored hidden details opening up new avenue optimize for rationally designing more efficient photocatalysts.