Probing Oxidation Mechanisms in Plasmonic Catalysis: Unraveling the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04979
• Publication Date: 2024-01-30T22:53:55Z
• Authors: Yunjia Wei; Xingce Fan; Dexiang Chen; Xiangnan Zhu; Lei Yao; Xing Zhao; Xiao Tang; Jiawei Wang; Yuanjian Zhang; Teng Qiu; Qi Hao
• Keywords: Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy; Plasmonic Nanoparticles

Plasmon-induced oxidation has conventionally been attributed to the transfer of plasmonic hot holes. However, this theoretical framework encounters challenges in elucidating latest experimental findings, such as enhanced catalytic efficiency under uncoupled irradiation conditions and superior oxidizability silver nanoparticles. Herein, we employ liquid surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) a real-time situ tool explore mechanisms catalysis, taking decarboxylation p-mercaptobenzoic acid (PMBA) case study. Our findings suggest that plasmon-induced is driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) rather than holes, holding true for both Au Ag Subsequent investigations ROS may arise from carriers or energy mechanisms, exhibiting selectivity different conditions. The observations were substantiated investigating cleavage carbon–boron bonds. Furthermore, underlying clarified level theories, advancing our understanding catalysis.