Construction of Highly Efficient Photocatalyst with Core‐Shell Au@Ag/C@SiO₂ Hybrid Structure towards Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Reduction

Abstract

Main observation and conclusion Herein, we report a rational construction of Au@Ag/C@SiO2 system with Au@Ag core‐shell nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising photocatalyst based on the plasmonic coupling effect for the first time towards the photoreduction of nitroaromatic compounds under visible light. The combination and elaborate construction of Au@Ag NPs, carbon microspheres and mesoporous SiO2 shell can endow this system with several outstanding features towards photocatalytic reaction. Firstly, the broadband light harvesting across ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared (UV‐vis‐NIR) region can be achieved due to the comprehensive effect of surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) coupling model of Au and Ag, near‐field scattering light of carbon microspheres and light reflecting effect of SiO2 shell, resulting in the production of more electrons for phororeduction reaction. Secondly, the carbon microspheres in Au@Ag/C@SiO2 system possess electron‐rich property due to their strong electron‐withdrawing ability, which can act as the Lewis acid and Lewis basic site, and promote the stepwise hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. Thirdly, Au@Ag/C@SiO2 exhibits excellent reusability because of the protection of SiO2 shell, which restricts metal NPs inside the spheres and protects them from aggregation and being lost during reaction process. Our present work demonstrates the significance of construction of hybrid nanostructures based on the plasmonic coupling effect, which can be a promising approach to design efficient photocatalyst towards organic synthesis under visible light.

Advancements in the Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural to Downstream Products

“…In recent years, photocatalysis has received widespread attention due to its green and renewable advantages. [50] Shi et al conducted a study on the photocatalytic conversion of FF using ultrathin SnNb 2 O 6 nanosheets loaded with Pt. [51] Their research revealed that nanosheets, with a mere 4.1 nm thickness, demonstrated exceptional proficiency in separating light-generated carriers.…”

“…Changes in activity are brought about by the presence of Sn, which enhances the polarization and adsorption of the carbonyl bond, resulting in great selectivity to the unsaturated alcohols. In recent years, photocatalysis has received widespread attention due to its green and renewable advantages [50] . Shi et al.…”

Modulation of Hot Electrons via Interface Engineering of Au@ZnIn2S4/MXene for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Seawater Splitting under Visible Light

“…Recently, plasmonic photocatalysis based on the nanoparticles (NPs) of plasmonic metals (Au, Ag, Cu, etc.) has attracted extensive attention due to the efficient harvesting of sunlight across the entire visible spectrum via the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, which provides an efficient strategy to remarkably enhance the efficiency of solar energy conversion. , The energetic (hot) electrons are generated in plasmonic nanocatalysts through the SPR process, which can facilitate the chemical reactions. − Meanwhile, developing advanced hybrid photocatalysts composed of plasmonic metal and semiconductor has been a forefront topic for photo-driven water splitting to produce hydrogen. , For the hybrid plasmonic photocatalyst, it not only retains the inherent optical properties of plasmonic metal and semiconductor but also integrates the multiple functions through synergetic coupling between plasmonic resonances and excitonic transitions . It is reported that the photon energy harnessed by a plasmonic metal is delivered to the adjacent semiconductor via either an SPR-induced hot electron transfer route or electromagnetic field-mediated plasmon energy transfer process. − Moreover, the interface engineering between a plasmonic metal and semiconductor provides an effective approach to efficiently modulate the plasmon-exciton coupling since the transfer of hot electrons from plasmonic metal to semiconductor must proceed across its interface. , Therefore, developing an efficient strategy to properly engineer the interface is of paramount significance for efficient maneuvering of hot electrons, including the construction of hybrid core–shell architecture.…”

“…has attracted extensive attention due to the efficient harvesting of sunlight across the entire visible spectrum via the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, which provides an efficient strategy to remarkably enhance the efficiency of solar energy conversion. 13,14 The energetic (hot) electrons are generated in plasmonic nanocatalysts through the SPR process, which can facilitate the chemical reactions. 15−17 Meanwhile, developing advanced hybrid photocatalysts composed of plasmonic metal and semiconductor has been a forefront topic for photo-driven water splitting to produce hydrogen.…”