Copper‐Based Plasmonic Catalysis: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

With the capability of inducing intense electromagnetic field, energetic charge carriers, and photothermal effect, plasmonic metals provide a unique opportunity for efficient light utilization and chemical transformation. Earth‐abundant low‐cost Cu possesses intense and tunable localized surface plasmon resonance from ultraviolet‐visible to near infrared region. Moreover, Cu essentially exhibits remarkable catalytic performance toward various reactions owing to its intriguing physical and chemical properties. Coupling with light‐harvesting ability and catalytic function, plasmonic Cu serves as a promising platform for efficient light‐driven chemical reaction. Herein, recent advancements of Cu‐based plasmonic photocatalysis are systematically summarized, including designing and synthetic strategies for Cu‐based catalysts, plasmonic catalytic performance, and mechanistic understanding over Cu‐based plasmonic catalysts. What's more, approaches for the enhancement of light utilization efficiency and construction of active centers on Cu‐based plasmonic catalysts are highlighted and discussed in detail, such as morphology and size control, regulation of electronic structure, defect and strain engineering, etc. Remaining challenges and future perspectives for further development of Cu‐based plasmonic catalysis are also proposed.

Tip-Enhanced Raman Analysis of Plasmonic and Photocatalytic Properties of Copper Nanomaterials

“…In this case, CuNPs provided a nearly 3 times higher selectivity of propylene oxide relative to the selectivity observed in a thermocatalytic catalysis. Cu nanostructures can be also coupled with semiconductors or catalytic metals to expand their catalytic potential. − For instance, the Atwater group investigated the potential of dispersed CuNPs on p-type nickel oxide (p-NiO) photocathodes for a carbon dioxide reduction reaction . The researchers found that p-NiO promoted a separation of energetic charge carriers generated by the LSPR of CuNPs allowing for hot electrons to accumulate on CuNPs.…”

Probing the Mechanism of Plasmon-Enhanced Ammonia Borane Methanolysis on a CuAg Alloy at a Single-Particle Level

“…), ,, which poses relevant issues in terms of cost and scalability of H 2 storage technologies. Plasmonic copper exhibits the highest chemical activity, the lowest cost among the IB metals (Au, Ag and Cu), and shows great potential in carbon dioxide reduction (CO 2 RR) and organic conversion. − Nevertheless, there are several factors limiting the applications of Cu NPs, which are as follows: (i) Cu NPs have poor stability and low antioxidant capacity in the air. (ii) Monometallic Cu NPs have weak plasmon resonance since interband transitions of Cu NPs can efficiently damp surface plasmon resonances, which is not conducive to the effective use of light energy.…”

Electrochemical aspects of coinage metal nanoparticles for catalysis and spectroscopy

“…Considering its plasmon-driven light-harvesting ability and catalytic function, Cu serves as a promising platform for efficient light-driven chemical reactions such as plasmonic Au and Ag. 5 …”