Plasmon-Induced Water Splitting Using Metallic-Nanoparticle-Loaded Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes

Visible- and near-infrared-light-driven water splitting, which splits water molecules to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases, is a significant subject in artificial photosynthesis with the goal of achieving a low-carbon society. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to studies on the development of a plasmon-induced water-splitting system responding to visible light. In this review, we categorized water-splitting systems as gold-nanoparticle-loaded semiconductor photocatalytic particles system and metallic-nanoparticles-loaded semiconductor photoelectrode systems, and introduce the latest studies according to these categories. Especially, we describe the studies that optimize a material or a structural design of metallic-nanoparticle-loaded semiconductor photoelectrodes and consider a whole water-splitting system, including a cathode design. Furthermore, we discuss important points when studying plasmon-induced water splitting, and we describe a methodology that enhances plasmon-induced water-splitting efficiency.