Cu/ZnO nanorods′ hybrid showing enhanced photoluminescence properties due to surface plasmon resonance

Cu/ZnO nanorods (NRs) hybrids have been synthesized for various concentrations of Cu nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction patterns and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show the phase purity of the hybrids. A detailed study on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of Cu/ZnO NRs hybrids show that the near band edge emission (NBE) of ZnO is enhanced eight times after Cu loading over that of pristine ZnO NRs. The mechanism behind luminescence enhancement has been analyzed by the surface plasmon dispersion relations of Cu/air and Cu/ZnO systems. It has been confirmed that the enhanced emission is due to the surface plasmon resonance coupling of the NBE emission between Cu and ZnO. •The UV emission properties of Cu/ZnO nanorods′ hybrid have been studied.•The UV PL intensity is enhanced 8 times due to Cu nanoparticle loading on to ZnO nanorods.•The luminescence enhancement is due to the surface plasmon resonance coupling between Cu and ZnO.