Photoluminescence enhancement from hybrid structures of metallic single-walled carbon nanotube/ZnO films

We investigated the dependence of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) coupled photoluminescence (PL) emission on the density of a metallic single-walled carbon nanotube (m-SWCNT). The m-SWCNTs of various densities were deposited on top of ZnO films by spin coating and filtration transfer method to form the hybrid structures. We observed PL enhancement from ZnO films deposited with spin coated m-SWCNT, comparing with pure ZnO film. The m-SWCNT acts as absorbers for the light emitted due to SPR. After resonant excitation, hot electrons in m-SWCNT are created in high energy states, which can then transfer from the m-SWCNT to the conduction band of the ZnO films. We discuss the relationship between the hot electron flow generated by internal photoemission and LSPR. [Display omitted] •We investigated the enhancement of PL intensity from ZnO due to a m-SWCNT by LSPR.•Individual m-SWCNT acts as absorbers for the light emitted due to SPR.•SPR of a m-SWCNT creates hot electrons in higher energy states.•Hot electrons of a m-SWCNT leads to the enhancement of PL emissions in ZnO.•We discuss the relationship between the hot electron flows generated by LSPR.