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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Preparation of Silver-Palladium Alloyed Nanoparticles for Plasmonic Catalysis under Visible-Light Illumination
Published on: August 18, 2020
Hot electron science in plasmonics and catalysis: what we argue about
1NanoPhotonics Centre, Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thompson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK. jjb12@cam.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Hot electron photochemistry has made strong claims for improved control of chemical reactions. Here I discuss these claims in the light of a plethora of model experiments and theories, asking what are the key issues to solve. I particularly highlight the need to understand nanoscale thermal hot-spots, thermal gradients, and thermal transport, as well as the conventional optical confinement in plasmonics. I note how the 'direct electron transfer' process seems to dominate, and resembles well known 'indirect excitons' in semiconductor quantum wells. I believe a crucial advance still required is a prototype nano-confined geometry which allows reactants and products to access a well-controlled metallic atomic surface.
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