Blue/near UV light emission from hybrid InN/TiO₂ nanoparticle films

We report on the enhancement of photoluminescence (PL) from anatase TiO₂ thin films covered by InN nanoparticles prepared using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The SEM images and X-ray diffraction spectra illustrate the strong interaction between the InN particles and the TiO₂ films. UV-Vis absorption spectra indicate that the InN particles have an increased absorption in the visible light region and may sensitize the TiO₂ films. The strong PL band observed in the anatase TiO ₂ thin films with the addition of InN may have been due to an increased localization of impurities and/or defect-trapped excitons.