Non-Noble Plasmonic Metal-Based Photocatalysts

Abstract

Solar-to-chemical energy conversion via heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the sustainable approaches to tackle the growing environmental and energy challenges. Among various promising photocatalytic materials, plasmonic-driven photocatalysts feature prominent solar-driven surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Non-noble plasmonic metals (NNPMs)-based photocatalysts have been identified as a unique alternative to noble metal-based ones due to their advantages like earth-abundance, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale application capability. This review comprehensively summarizes the most recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and properties of NNPMs-based photocatalysts. After introducing the fundamental principles of SPR, the attributes and functionalities of NNPMs in governing surface/interfacial photocatalytic processes are presented. Next, the utilization of NNPMs-based photocatalytic materials for the removal of pollutants, water splitting, CO2 reduction, and organic transformations is discussed. The review concludes with current challenges and perspectives in advancing the NNPMs-based photocatalysts, which are timely and important to plasmon-based photocatalysis, a truly interdisciplinary field across materials science, chemistry, and physics.

Development of defective molybdenum oxides for photocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and photothermal catalysis

“…Moreover, when a sufficient number of hydrogen atoms are intercalated, defective H x MoO 3Ày exhibits a broader plasmonic absorption in the visible region. 21 Despite growing interest in molybdenum oxide and a large body of research on the material, comprehensive studies of MoO 3 for environmental catalysis remain rare. This paper focuses on the nanostructure, defect engineering, and optical characteristics of molybdenum oxide, summarizes its applications by the utilization of plasmonic effects, oxygen vacancy, and photothermal effects to alleviate environmental and energy crises, and provides theoretical knowledge for future understanding and exploitation of molybdenum oxide materials.…”

Rational Construction of Z‐Scheme Charge Transfer Based on 2D Graphdiyne (g‐CnH2n−2) Coupling with Amorphous Co3O4 Quantum Dots for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation

“…[1][2][3][4] As H 2 with the merits of high density and non-pollution, having the ability to convert solar into chemical energy. [5][6][7] Quantum dots (QDs) with the admirable characteristic of quantum confinement, larger specific surface area, and shorter charge transport paths have aroused lots of attention over the past years. [29][30][31][32][33] Recently, Zou et al designed the MoS 2 QDs confined polyimide photocatalyst and prepared by simple immersion-hydrothermal, the composite displayed intensive visible light absorption, the separation efficiency of charges and the number of active sites, which would be imputed to the strong quantum confinement effect of MoS 2 QDs and the interfacial electronic interaction between MoS 2 QDs and polyimide.…”

“…[ 1–4 ] As H 2 with the merits of high density and non‐pollution, having the ability to convert solar into chemical energy. [ 5–7 ] However, semiconductors have inherent shortcomings (weak light absorption, rapid recombination of photoexciton, and sluggish surface reactive kinetics) making them challenging to industrialize. [ 8–12 ] To date, photocatalysts modified by the noble metals exhibit the best hydrogen evolution performance, such as gold, platinum, and silver et al.…”

Integrating Co 3 O 4 with ZnIn 2 S 4 p‐n heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

“…[14][15][16]23 So far, some semiconductor photocatalysts are difficult to achieve efficient and stable photocatalytic hydrogen production without sacrificial agents and precious metals. [24][25][26][27][28][29] So, it is necessary to develop a highly efficient catalyst. 30,31 ZnIn 2 S 4 is not only a ternary chalcogenide compound but also a promising material for photocatalytic hydrogen production of n-type semiconductors.…”