Challenges in Plasmonic Catalysis

Abstract

The use of nanoplasmonics to control light and heat close to the thermodynamic limit enables exciting opportunities in the field of plasmonic catalysis. The decay of plasmonic excitations creates highly nonequilibrium distributions of hot carriers that can initiate or catalyze reactions through both thermal and nonthermal pathways. In this Perspective, we present the current understanding in the field of plasmonic catalysis, capturing vibrant debates in the literature, and discuss future avenues of exploration to overcome critical bottlenecks. Our Perspective spans first-principles theory and computation of correlated and far-from-equilibrium light-matter interactions, synthesis of new nanoplasmonic hybrids, and new steady-state and ultrafast spectroscopic probes of interactions in plasmonic catalysis, recognizing the key contributions of each discipline in realizing the promise of plasmonic catalysis. We conclude with our vision for fundamental and technological advances in the field of plasmon-driven chemical reactions in the coming years.

Plasmonic catalysis with designer nanoparticles

“…64,112 Although a lot of progress has been achieved in plasmonic catalysis, several challenges remain, offering great opportunities for future work in the field. 33 Some examples include studies and the unraveling of the durability/stability of plasmonic catalysts as well as the understanding of shape and composition changes under reaction conditions. Another important aspect in this context in terms of activity and stability is the in situ and operando characterization of plasmonic catalysis and metal-adsorbates interactions.…”

“…17,[24][25][26][27][28][29] Therefore, plasmonic NPs have been attracting strong interest due to their ability to accelerate and control molecular transformations under milder conditions relative to traditional catalysis based on external heating as a result of the LSPR excitation. [30][31][32][33][34] This field enables, at least in principle, to combine optical and catalytic properties at the nanoscale as well as to use VIS or near-IR light as a sustainable and abundant energy input to drive and control molecular transformations. 18,26,35 Importantly, plasmonic catalysis allows one to overcome some of the intrinsic limitations of conventional wide bandgap semiconductor photocatalysts.…”

Local Growth Mediated by Plasmonic Hot Carriers: Chirality from Achiral Nanocrystals Using Circularly Polarized Light

“…Consequently, when considering the design of plasmonic systems for plasmon-based catalysis, we should consider their capacity for exciting large numbers of hot carriers at the NC’s interfaces. 44 Moreover, as we will see below, the surface-mediated mechanism for HE excitation will create inhomogeneous excitation rates across the NC’s surface. This also highlights the relevance of plasmonic hot spots in driving the HE excitation, which can arise from interparticle interaction 32 , 45 − 47 or from the geometry 46 , 48 − 51 of metallic resonators.…”

An Accessible Integrated Nanoparticle in a Metallic Hole Structure for Efficient Plasmonic Applications

“…As seen from our best-integrated nanostructure (top NP position), superior EF max are extracted as enhanced plasmonic (brighter) mode interactions between the NP and hole occured. Furthermore, enhancement in quantum efficiency will be possible on the basis of strong coupling of plasmonic mode(s) over that of decoupled conditions [52][53][54][55][56][57]. Precisely designed plasmonic structures are required to effectively promote catalytic reactions.…”