Understanding the nanoscale interactions of surface plasmon-mediated semiconductor surfaces with water and light for renewable energy harvesting and conversion

Photocatalysts integrated with surface plasmon metals serve as an interesting platform for fully understanding how energy harvesting and storage are managed through physical and chemical enhancement processes. Nanoelectrode with a single plasmon metal nanoparticle (NP) provides unique features capable of resolving complex enhancement processes which otherwise cannot be achievable through conventional ensemble averaging methods. Preliminary theoretical results are presented here to illustrate both electrochemical and optical field enhancement characteristics of a single NP when interacting with a semiconductor surface. Potential methodologies to construct single plasmon nanoelectrodes and challenges are discussed in this opinion.

Automated summary

Photocatalysts integrated with surface plasmon metals provide a platform to understand energy harvesting and storage through physical and chemical enhancement processes. By using a nanoelectrode with a single plasmon metal nanoparticle, complex enhancement processes can be resolved, which are not achievable with conventional ensemble averaging methods. This opinion presents preliminary theoretical results on the electrochemical and optical field enhancement characteristics of a single nanoparticle interacting with a semiconductor surface. Potential methodologies and challenges in constructing single plasmon nanoelectrodes are discussed.