Au-based heterostructure composites for photo and electro catalytic energy conversions

In recent decades, the innovative green technologies of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis have been urgently developed for energy as well as environmental concerns. In photocatalysis, traditional semiconductors exhibit minor visible light absorption that shows poor photocatalytic performance. The plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have superior absorption cross-sections for visible light by means of localized SPR excitation, which emit hot charge carriers and then vastly improve the photocatalytic activity in the wide applications of dye decomposition, organic synthesis, water splitting, N2 fixation, CO2 reduction. Regarding to electrocatalytic energy conversion, Au-based nanocomposites possess versatility and high stability (e.g., high resistance to CO poisoning). Thus, nanogold electrocatalysts reveal outstanding performances in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). This Review summarizes the progress in utilizing plasmonic gold NPs for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic energy conversions. The activity of size-dependent and metal structures,the fundamental understanding of molecular activation and catalytic mechanisms are also discussed in detail. Future efforts are expected to achieve new promising catalysts to encounter the prerequisite of industrial and extensive practical applications.

Automated summary

In recent years, innovative green technologies such as electrocatalysis and photocatalysis have been rapidly developed to address energy and environmental concerns. Traditional semiconductors used in photocatalysis have poor performance due to their limited absorption of visible light. Plasmonic gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) offer superior absorption characteristics for visible light and greatly enhance the photocatalytic activity in various applications. In electrocatalytic energy conversion, nanogold electrocatalysts have shown exceptional performance in reactions such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). This review summarizes the progress and discusses size-dependent activity, metal structures, molecular activation, and catalytic mechanisms. Future efforts are needed to develop promising catalysts for industrial and practical applications.