Mechanisms in photoluminescence enhancement of ZnO nanorod arrays by the localized surface plasmons of Ag nanoparticles

Photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanorod arrays decorated by Ag nanoparticles have been studied. It was found the enhancement of near-band-edge emission of ZnO was attributed to the giant local electronic fields (EF) of Ag nanoparticles, which was confirmed by annealing treatment and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra. The enhancement of visible emission band was due to the exciton-localized surface plasmons coupling effect. [Display omitted] ► Surface plasmons enhancement mechanisms for different photoluminescence bands of ZnO are confirmed to be different. ► The enhancement of near-band-edge emission of ZnO was attributed to the giant local electronic fields of Ag nanoparticles. ► The enhancement of visible emission band was due to the exciton-localized surface plasmons coupling effect. Photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanorod arrays decorated by Ag nanoparticles have been studied. It was found the enhancement of near-band-edge emission of ZnO was attributed to the giant local electronic fields of Ag nanoparticles, which was confirmed by annealing treatment and surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra. The enhancement of visible emission band was due to the exciton-localized surface plasmons coupling effect.