Photocatalytic nanoparticle deposition on LiNbO3 nanodomain patterns via photovoltaic effect

Metallic nanoparticle deposition from an aqueous solution onto the +Z surfaces of LiNbO3 nanodomain patterns has been demonstrated. The distribution of the selectively deposited Ag particles was uniform and their sizes were 2–10nm both in the diameter and height. The authors have inferred the mechanism by which the photovoltaic effect causes Ag particles to be deposited selectively on the +Z surfaces. The photovoltaic current density and the ferroelectric crystal thickness are found to be fundamental parameters of the photocatalytic deposition.