Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalysis Based on Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Energy and Environmental Solutions: A Review

Plasmonic nanoparticles are able to enhance the photocatalyticperformance of semiconductor nanoparticles using four main mechanismsof light scattering, light concentration, hot electron injections,and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer. Pushing the semiconductornanoparticles' absorption range to the visible and near-infraredand boosting the electron-hole generation quantum yield arethe major effects. However, most of the reviewed papers lack a systematicdesign for conjugation of plasmonic nanoparticles with semiconductornanoparticles, and they mainly benefited from the general enhancementbecause of the generated localized surface plasmon resonances. Inthis Review, we have systematically showed the importance of rationaloptical design of plasmonic-semiconductor nanoparticle conjugationfor an efficient photocatalytic activity. The application of plasmon-enhancedphenomenon for the environmental remediation and green energy productionwas thoroughly reviewed. The degradation of organic dyes, air pollutants,volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and pharmaceutical compoundswere the major reviewed works in environmental applications, whilethe green energy productions were limited to the role of plasmonicnanoparticles for the enhancement of H-2/O-2 production,water splitting, and CO2 reduction. This review can bea useful guideline for researchers working on enhancing the photocatalyticactivity of the semiconductor nanoparticles and those interested inplasmon-enhanced phenomena by emphasizing the underlying mechanisms.

Automated summary

Plasmonic nanoparticles enhance the photocatalytic performance of semiconductor nanoparticles through light scattering, light concentration, hot electron injections, and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer. They extend the absorption range and increase the quantum yield of electron-hole generation. However, the lack of systematic design for plasmonic-semiconductor nanoparticle conjugation is a common issue in the reviewed papers. This review emphasizes the importance of rational optical design and provides a useful guideline for researchers interested in enhancing photocatalytic activity and understanding plasmon-enhanced phenomena.