Plasmonic Photocatalysis for CO2 Reduction: Advances, Understanding and Possibilities

Plasmonic photocatalysis for CO2 reduction is attracting increasing attention due to appealing properties and great potential for real applications. In this review, the fundamentals of plasmonic photocatalysis and the most recent developments regarding its application in driving CO2 reduction are reported. Firstly, we present the review on the mechanism of plasmonic photocatalytic CO2 reduction, the energy transfer of plasmon, and the CO2 reduction process on the catalyst surface. Then, the modulation on the plasmonic nanostructures and also the semiconductor counterpart to regulate CO2 photoreduction is discussed. Next, the influence of the core-shell structure and the interface between the plasmonic metal and semiconductor on the CO2 photoreduction performance is also outlined. In addition, the latest progress on the emerging direction regarding the plasmonic photocatalysis for methane dry reforming with CO2 is especially emphasized. Finally, a summary on the challenges and prospects of this promising field are provided.

Automated summary

In this review, the mechanisms and recent developments of plasmonic photocatalysis for CO2 reduction are discussed. The review includes the mechanism of plasmonic photocatalytic CO2 reduction, energy transfer of plasmons, and CO2 reduction process on catalyst surfaces. Moreover, the modulation of plasmonic nanostructures and semiconductors to regulate CO2 photoreduction, as well as the impact of core-shell structures and interfaces on CO2 photoreduction performance, are outlined. Additionally, the latest progress in plasmonic photocatalysis for methane dry reforming with CO2 is emphasized.