Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors for photocatalysis

Abstract

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanoparticles can focus surrounding light onto the particle surface to boost photochemical reactions and solar energy utilization. However, the rarity and high cost of noble metals limit their applications in plasmonic photocatalysis, forcing researchers to seek low-cost alternatives. Recently, some heavily doped semiconductors with high free carrier density have garnered attention due to their metal-like LSPR properties. However, plasmonic semiconductors have complex surface structures characterized by the presence of a depletion layer, which poses challenges for active site exposure and hot carrier transfer, resulting in low photocatalytic activity. In this review, we introduce the essential characteristics and types, synthesis methods, and characterization techniques of full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors, elucidate the mechanism of full-spectrum nonmetallic plasmonic photocatalysis, including the local electromagnetic field, hot carrier generation and transfer, the photothermal effect, and the solutions for the surface depletion layer, and summarize the applications of plasmonic semiconductors in photocatalytic environmental remediation, CO2 reduction, H2 generation, and organic transformations. Finally, we provide a perspective on full-spectrum plasmonic photocatalysis, aiming to guide the design and development of plasmonic photocatalysts.

Graphical abstract: Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors for photocatalysis

Transparent peer review

To support increased transparency, we offer authors the option to publish the peer review history alongside their article.

View this article’s peer review history

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
30 Apr 2024
Accepted
25 Jul 2024
First published
27 Jul 2024

Mater. Horiz., 2024, Advance Article

Full-spectrum plasmonic semiconductors for photocatalysis

X. Liu, B. Huang, J. Li, B. Li and Z. Lou, Mater. Horiz., 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4MH00515E

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements