Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and surface Plasmon resonance induced enhanced photoluminescence and photoconductivity property of Au–TiO2 metal–semiconductor nanocomposite

Abstract In this manuscript, we have successfully synthesized Au–TiO 2 nanocomposite by sol–gel process. Photoluminescence (PL) and photoconductivity (PC) study have been performed on both bare TiO 2 and Au–TiO 2 composite samples. We observe enhancement of photoluminescence emission in Au–TiO 2 nanocomposite compared to bare TiO 2 . The enhanced photoluminescence is ascribed owing to combined influence of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and surface Plasmon resonance effect due to presence of Au nanoparticles in nanocomposite sample. Also this nanocomposite exhibits enhanced UV photocurrent because of fluorescence resonance energy transfer by metallic Au attached with TiO 2 . Interfacial charge transfer can also be realized by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results.