Mechanistic insights into plasmonic photocatalysts in utilizing visible light

Abstract

The utilisation of sunlight as an abundant and renewable resource has motivated the development of sustainable photocatalysts that can collectively harvest visible light. However, the bottleneck in utilising the low energy photons has led to the discovery of plasmonic photocatalysts. The presence of noble metal on the plasmonic photocatalyst enables the harvesting of visible light through the unique characteristic features of the noble metal nanomaterials. Moreover, the formation of interfaces between noble metal particles and semiconductor materials further results in the formation of a Schottky junction. Thereby, the plasmonic characteristics have opened up a new direction in promoting an alternative path that can be of value to the society through sustainable development derived through energy available for all for diverse applications. We have comprehensively prepared this review to specifically focus on fundamental insights into plasmonic photocatalysts, various synthesis routes, together with their strengths and weaknesses, and the interaction of the plasmonic photocatalyst with pollutants as well as the role of active radical generation and identification. The review ends with a pinnacle insight into future perspectives regarding realistic applications of plasmonic photocatalysts.

Gold Decoration and Photoresistive Response to Nitrogen Dioxide of WS2 Nanotubes

“…Typically, the excited plasmon in AuNPs has multiple effects on the semiconductor part of the nanocomposite, including energy and charge carrier transfer, amplification of local electrical fields and plasmon‐induced local heating . As reported by Forcherio et al., hot electrons generated in plasmonic gold nanoparticles deposited onto WS 2 readily transfer to the disulfide counterpart in 7 fs, with a quantum efficiency of up to 11±5 %.…”

Light‐Activated Hydrogen Storage in Mg, LiH and NaAlH4

“…We thus considered the alternative option of driving the light activation of metal hydrides with the aid of Au nanoparticles. Indeed, Au has been reported to have distinct optical properties including the ability to absorb light from the UV to the near IR, and this is associated with localised surface plasmon resonance effects and plasmonic heating at the nanoscale . Theoretical calculations have predicted a maximum surface heat flux of 150 W m −2 for Au nanospheres ( d =110 nm) with an associated equilibrium temperature of 252 °C .…”

“…Indeed, Au has been reported to have distinct optical properties including the ability to absorbl ight from the UV to the near IR, [10] and this is associated with localised surface plasmon resonance effects and plasmonic heating at the nanoscale. [10,11] Theoretical calculations have predicted am aximum surface heat flux of 150 Wm À2 for Au nanospheres( d = 110nm) with an associated equilibrium temperature of 252 8C. [12] Experimentally,t he temperature was detectedt oi ncrease up to 300 8Cf or ZnO nanorods with Au nanoparticles (d = 7-23 nm) deposited on the surface under laser excitation (532 nm, 250 Wm À2 ).…”

Ag−Au‐Bimetal Incorporated ZnO‐Nanorods Photo‐Anodes for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Splitting of Water

“…A major snag in photo‐anodes is low light activity. Noble‐metal nano‐clusters loaded on semiconductors can enhance the visible light absorption through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) . Numerous research studies have been reported which utilizes SPR phenomenon for enhancing visible light absorption in photo‐anodes but there are very few reports on the use of bi‐metallic nanoparticles in PEC splitting of water .…”

“…Noble-metal nanoclusters loaded on semiconductors can enhance the visible light absorption through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). [2] Numerous research studies have been reported which utilizes SPR phenomenon for enhancing visible light absorption in photo-anodes but there are very few reports on the use of bimetallic nanoparticles in PEC splitting of water. [3] Bi-metallic nanoparticles in which two different types of metal present in conjunction with each other, are distinct and exhibit salient features than mono-metals.…”