Plasmonics for environmental remediation and pollutant degradation

Minimizing environmental pollution and its health effects requires increasingly complex and sophisticated approaches to pollutant degradation. Plasmonic nanoparticles can enhance the degradation of environmental pollutants due to their strong light absorption and increasingly efficient and selective catalysis. We highlight the material, chemical, and environmental considerations for using plasmonic nanostructures and technologies to degrade pollutants in air, water, and soil. A particular focus is paid to the material considerations for persistent and emerging recalcitrant pollutants including pharmaceuticals, per- and poly-fluoralkyl substances (PFASs), and pesticides. Finally, we discuss specific barriers that need to be overcome to realize scalable, efficient, and reliable plasmon-enhanced technology for maintaining clean air, water, and soil.

Automated summary

This article introduces the material, chemical, and environmental considerations for using plasmonic nanostructures and technologies to degrade environmental pollutants. It particularly focuses on the material considerations for persistent and emerging recalcitrant pollutants. Finally, specific barriers to realizing scalable, efficient, and reliable plasmon-enhanced technology are discussed.