Recent advances in surface plasmon-driven catalytic reactions

Abstract

Surface plasmons, the free electrons' collective oscillations, have been used in the signal detection and analysis of target molecules, where the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can produce a huge EM field, thus enhancing the SERS signal. However, another novel application of surface plasmons has been discovered in the photocatalysis field. In this review we will mainly discuss the occurrence of the oxidation reaction of amino group molecules and the reduction reaction of nitro group molecules with the assistance of hot electrons from noble metal surface plasmon decay. Meanwhile, these catalytic reactions can be probed by SERS and TERS technology in different conditions. The results show that hot electrons play a significant role in the field of surface plasmon-driven catalytic reactions. Subsequently, we further discuss the priority selectivity of plasmon-driven surface catalytic redox reactions. We discover that the reduction reaction of the nitro group is prior to the oxidation reaction of the amino group in the atmosphere and in an aqueous environment. Finally, we believe that plasmon-driven catalytic reactions can be applied on a large scale in medicine and electronics in the future.