Plasmonic Photoelectrocatalysis in Copper-Platinum Core-Shell Nanoparticle Lattices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles offer unique catalytic properties.
• Plasmonic effects in nanomaterials can enhance catalytic reactions.
• Hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) are crucial for clean energy production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the photoelectrocatalytic activity of strongly coupled bimetallic core-shell nanoparticle arrays for HER.
• To explore the role of different plasmon modes (localized surface plasmons and surface lattice resonances) in enhancing HER.
• To compare the catalytic efficiency of surface lattice resonances versus localized surface plasmons.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of large-area copper-platinum (Cu-Pt) nanoparticle lattices using top-down lithography and solution-based chemistry.
• Characterization of plasmon modes, including localized surface plasmons and surface lattice resonances (SLRs).
• Photoelectrocatalytic testing for hydrogen evolution reactions under white-light illumination.

Main Results:

• The Cu-Pt nanoparticle lattices exhibited significant photoelectrocatalytic activity for HER.
• White-light illumination increased HER catalytic activity by up to 60%.
• Surface lattice resonances (SLRs) demonstrated a two-fold activity enhancement over localized surface plasmons.

Conclusions:

• Strongly coupled bimetallic nanoparticle arrays are effective photoelectrocatalysts for HER.
• Surface lattice resonances play a key role in enhancing plasmon-enhanced catalysis.
• The findings provide insights into designing advanced nanomaterials for efficient hydrogen production.