Light-Induced Voltages in Catalysis by Plasmonic Nanostructures

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00378
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07T15:17:46Z
• Authors: Andrew J. Wilson; Prashant K. Jain
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 7. Clean energy

ConspectusPlasmonic nanostructures have garnered widescale scientific interest because of their strong light–matter interactions and the tunability absorption across solar spectrum. At heart superlative interaction with light is resonant excitation a collective oscillation electrons in nanostructure by incident electromagnetic field. These oscillations are known as localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). In recent years, community has uncovered intriguing photochemical attributes noble metal arising from LSPRs. Chemical reactions that otherwise unfavorable or sluggish dark induced on upon photoexcitation This phenomenon led to birth plasmonic catalysis. The rates variety kinetically challenging enhanced plasmon-excited nanostructures. While potential utility for energy harvesting chemical production clear, there natural curiosity about precise origin(s) One explanation facilitated action intensely concentrated confined electric fields generated LSPR excitation. Another mechanism activation involves hot carriers transiently produced damping LSPRs.In this Account, we visit received less attention but key role play catalysis chemistry. Under common scenarios, induces voltage nanoparticle. photopotential modifies energetics reaction nanoparticles. range cases studied our laboratory others, light-induced potentials underlie enhancement kinetics. model does not replace other mechanisms, it complements them. There multiple ways which an electrostatic excitation, such optical rectification, one most relevant media asymmetric charge transfer solution-phase acceptors. Electrons holes LSPRs removed at same rate. As result, slower carrier accumulates nanostructure, steady-state built up leading photopotential. Potentials few hundred millivolts been measured others. A photocharged nanoparticle source higher than uncharged one. redox nanoparticles exhibit lower barriers under photoexcitation. electrochemical nanoparticles, supplements applied potential. diverse set reactions, explains photoenhancement well trends function intensity photon energy. With further gains, may be used knob controlling activities selectivities catalysts.